Convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante faces 20 new charges after Pennsylvania prison escape
The convicted killer who escaped from a prison in southeast Pennsylvania that sparked a large-scale search earlier this year is facing numerous new charges in connection with crimes he allegedly committed while he was on the run from authorities.
Danilo Cavalcante, 34, was charged Monday by Pennsylvania State Police with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including burglary; criminal trespassing; theft and possession of a firearm; and theft and receiving stolen property. The charges are related to residences Cavalcante allegedly broke into and stole a transit van, a rifle, ammunition, clothing, a sleeping bag, and other items, according to investigators.
“The defendant used all means necessary to escape from prison and stay hidden from authorities. These offenses aided his efforts and elevated his threat to the public,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement Monday.
Cavalcante had escaped from Chester County Prison on Aug. 31, days after he was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2021. After eluding hundreds of law enforcement officers for two weeks, putting communities across southeastern Pennsylvania on high alert, he was captured on Sept. 13.
Authorities had previously spelled Cavalcante’s first name as Danelo in documents, which was changed to Danilo in later court documents.
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Danilo Cavalcante charged with 20 offenses
Cavalcante was charged with 20 offenses on Monday in connection to the alleged crimes he committed during the two-week search, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. He is expected to be arraigned on the new charges Friday.
The new charges state that Cavalcante burglarized two homes in Pennsbury and South Coventry townships. Investigators alleged that Cavalcante "stole items to help him change his appearance, a getaway vehicle, and a rifle with ammunition," the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said.
Authorities said a resident of a Pennsbury Township home — just south of the Chester County Prison — reported a burglary on Sept. 1 but said nothing appeared to be missing. After Cavalcante was captured, the resident identified a knife, backpack, sleeping bag, shirt and razor that Cavalcante allegedly stole from the residence.
On Sept. 9, Cavalcante was reportedly seen driving a white van and authorities later confirmed that a transit van had been stolen in Pocopson Township, home to Chester County Prison. The vehicle was found abandoned the next day.
A resident of South Coventry Township, roughly 20 miles north of the prison Cavalcante escaped, then reported that a man resembling Cavalcante had entered his garage and stole a .22 caliber long rifle loaded with 10 rounds. The resident said he fired three or four rounds from a pistol as the man fled up a hill and into the woods.
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Two-week search
Cavalcante was arrested in 2021 for murdering his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao in front of her children. Officials said he was also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil and that he killed Brandao to stop her from exposing him to the police.
He was awaiting transfer to a state prison when he scaled up a prison yard wall, pushed through razor wire, and jumped from the prison's roof undetected.
The two-week search that ensued left residents on edge, causing shelter-in-place orders, school closures and blocked roads as hundreds of law enforcement officials searched the area. Authorities were able to recapture Cavalcante by using thermal imaging technology.
His escape prompted widespread criticism of Chester County Prison officials from the public.
Weeks before Cavalcante's escape, prison staff had received a warning that the prisoner may attempt a breakout. Cavalcante was "initially identified as an escape risk," Chester County spokesperson Rebecca Brain previously told USA TODAY in an email.
State records show that there have been three prison escapes from the prison since 2015, including a prisoner who was caught in May after using the same escape route Cavalcante used. Chester County officials also said the prison board had concerns over the facility's leadership and operations about a year ago.
In mid-September, the Chester County Prison unanimously approved security improvements plans that could cost up to $3.5 million.
Contributing: Christopher Cann, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Danilo Cavalcante faces 20 charges after Pennsylvania prison escape
