Vehicle stolen by escaped Pennsylvania killer found abandoned in northern Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — An escaped Pennsylvania prisoner is at large again after he was seen in northern Chester County early Sunday.

Danelo Cavalcante, 34, escaped from the Chester County Prison while awaiting transfer to state prison on Aug. 31 after being sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021. The Associated Press reports he wanted to stop her from telling police he’s also wanted in a killing in Brazil, his home country.

PSP said in a press release Sunday that Cavalcante was seen overnight in northern Chester County, near Phoenixville — which was outside of the search zone. Previously, he was spotted several times around Longwood Gardens botanical park in East Marlborough Township. The two locations are over 20 miles apart.

Later in the morning, PSP said “investigative leads” indicated he was no longer in the area of Phoenixville and the large law enforcement presence may diminish.

In an afternoon press conference, Lt. Col. George Bivens said the van Cavalcante stole from a dairy farm in West Chester was found abandoned in East Nantmeal Township around 10:40 a.m. He said it was likely abandoned because the vehicle lacked fuel.

Bivens said the van was stolen from the farm overnight, and the family learned their vehicle was stolen when contacted by police in the morning.

Authorities are now searching the area where the van was left. Bivens would not comment on where he thought Cavalcante may be but said he thinks he’s still in Pennsylvania.

Calvacante has changed his appearance since he escaped. He was last seen wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, a black baseball-style hat, green prison pants and white shoes.

Bivens also confirmed at the press conference that Cavalcante’s sister has been arrested and is facing deportation.

Authorities have described Cavalcante as extremely dangerous. Bivens urges everyone to secure their homes, outbuildings and vehicles.

Anyone with information or who sees Cavalcante should call 911 or the tip line at 717-562-2987. There is up to a $20,000 reward for information that leads to Cavalcante’s capture.

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