Convict Pleads Guilty To Escape Charges

Convicted killer Danilo Cavalcante faced new charges last week after his daring prison escape and two-week manhunt in Pennsylvania.

At a Glance

Danilo Cavalcante, 35, was due in court last week, where he pleaded guilty on burglary and escape charges.
He escaped from Chester County prison while awaiting transfer for a life sentence.
Cavalcante was captured after a two-week manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers.
He was hit with new charges including escape, burglary, theft, and firearm possession by a felon.
Cavalcante was originally convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend in front of her children.

A Killer’s Audacious Escape

Danilo Cavalcante, a 35-year-old convicted murderer from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, appeared in court Friday to face charges related to his brazen escape from Chester County prison on August 31, 2023. According to reports, he pleaded guilty to escape and burglary accusations. Cavalcante, who was awaiting transfer to state prison to serve a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend, managed to escape using a method that sounds more like a Hollywood script than real life.

Surveillance footage shows Cavalcante crab-walking up parallel walls in the prison yard, scaling razor wire, and leaping from the roof to freedom. This daring escape set off a massive two-week manhunt that kept local residents on edge and law enforcement working around the clock.

A Community on Edge

During his time on the run, Cavalcante proved to be a resourceful and dangerous fugitive. He was reported to have stolen a vehicle, food, clothing, and other items from area homes. In one harrowing incident, a homeowner discovered Cavalcante attempting to steal a rifle and fired shots at him, but missed. These close encounters heightened fears in the community and intensified the urgency of the search.

Cavalcante faced charges of burglary, theft, and other offenses after his escape on August 31, 2023, which led to a manhunt that lasted until September 13, 2023. He was eventually apprehended after being found hiding on a property in South Coventry Township.

Cavalcante was in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder for stabbing and killing his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her children in April 2021. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

High-Tech Capture

The manhunt for Cavalcante involved hundreds of law enforcement officers and utilized advanced technology. Thermal imaging from aircraft and K-9 units were instrumental in tracking down the fugitive. On September 13, 2023, authorities finally cornered Cavalcante in South Coventry Township, bringing an end to the tense search that had gripped the region.

Escaped inmate Danelo Cavalcante can be seen crab-walking to escape a prison in Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/nKQL9ZbewK

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) September 7, 2023

Justice Awaits

Now, nearly a year after his escape, Cavalcante has pleaded guilty to the most recent charges. He appeared before a judge in Chester County to address charges including escape, burglary, theft of a car, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cavalcante is already serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao. He killed her in front of her children in April 2021, reportedly to prevent her from reporting charges against him related to a 2017 slaying in his native Brazil. Any new sentences resulting from the escape and subsequent crimes could be served concurrently or consecutively to his existing life sentence.

The case of Danilo Cavalcante serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing our criminal justice system and the importance of secure correctional facilities. The extensive manhunt and its successful conclusion also highlight the dedication and skill of law enforcement agencies in protecting public safety.