Photo Credit: YahooNews

In a dramatic turn of events, Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old convicted murderer, has been recaptured after managing to evade authorities for weeks following his escape from Chester County Prison, located about 30 miles west of Philadelphia. Cavalcante’s escape sent shockwaves through the suburbs west of Philadelphia, prompting a widespread manhunt and causing unease among local residents.

The daring escape occurred on August 31st when Cavalcante skillfully maneuvered between two walls, creating a narrow corridor within the jailhouse yard before reaching the rooftop. He had been awaiting transfer from the county lockup to a state correctional institution, where he was set to serve a life sentence following his conviction in August for the brutal murder of his former girlfriend earlier that year.

The escape sent panic across the region, leading to school closures and heightened security measures. Security camera footage captured Cavalcante on a public garden trail, prompting an expansion of the search efforts and urging residents to lock their doors. Despite these efforts, he managed to evade capture and even stole a van, driving approximately 25 miles before abandoning the vehicle and altering his appearance by shaving his beard. In a daring move, he also stole a rifle from a garage, prompting the homeowner to fire several shots at him.

During his escape, Cavalcante attempted to seek assistance from various individuals, including his sister, but to no avail. His sister was later taken into custody for an immigration violation.

Cavalcante’s conviction stemmed from a gruesome April 2021 murder where he stabbed his former girlfriend in front of her young children at her home in Schuylkill Township. After committing the heinous act, he fled the scene, only to be apprehended by police in Virginia hours later.

In the wake of his escape, authorities offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Notably, Cavalcante, a Brazilian national, is also a suspect in a 2017 murder in Brazil, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Stay tuned for further details as authorities provide insights into the capture of this elusive fugitive during their upcoming press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m. (1300 GMT).

Credit: Reuters/Yahoo