Schools shut down as manhunt for Chester County prison escapee expands

The manhunt for a convicted Chester County murderer has expanded, following several confirmed sightings.

On Wednesday, officials closed down the Kennett Consolidated and the Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts out of an abundance of caution.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to update the public on the search.

Security camera footage along the trail of Longwood Gardens caught glimpses of the 34-year-old Danelo Cavalcante on Monday night. The 1,000-acre botanical garden is closed to allow authorities to widen the search perimeter.

Police, following numerous credible sightings, have concentrated a great deal of their canvassing in Pocopson Township and its surrounding areas.

Cavalcante, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, was seen carrying a backpack and a sling duffle pack. Local law enforcement officials have called in reinforcements from the Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, and U.S. Customs Border Patrol to assist with the search.

There remains a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to Cavalcante’s capture.

Who is escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante?

Cavalcante was serving a life sentence for homicide when he escaped the Chester County Prison last Thursday. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, investigators believe he left through the roof — copying a tactic used by another escaped prisoner.

A Chester County jury had convicted the Brazilian native of fatally stabbing Deborah Brandão, his ex-girlfriend, in front of her children back in 2021.

He is also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil.

Authorities have deemed Cavalcante “extremely dangerous” and have urged the public not to engage with him. Guidance from Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan remains the same:

“Law enforcement is requesting that residents in the area remain indoors at this time. Lock your vehicles. Review your surveillance cameras and contact police if you observe anything suspicious. Danelo Cavalcante is considered an extremely dangerous man. Please remain vigilant in assisting with this search. If you see this individual do not approach him. Call 911 immediately,” Ryan said in a Facebook post.