The search for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison, has intensified on its sixth day after a new sighting of him was recorded on a trail camera in a popular botanic garden. Two nearby school districts have canceled classes, and local officials are advising residents to exercise caution by locking their homes and cars. Police have also issued a plea for Cavalcante's surrender, even involving his mother in the appeal.
Initially, a massive search focused on a 2-mile radius around Pocopson Township, near the Chester County Prison, where Cavalcante escaped. However, on Tuesday, authorities expanded the search perimeter further south, indicating that Cavalcante may have moved away from the initial area.
Danelo Cavalcante, 34, escaped from Chester County Prison just a week after being sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her children. He is also wanted in connection with a 2017 murder in his native Brazil.
A security camera at Longwood Gardens captured images of Cavalcante with a backpack, a duffel bag, and other items, indicating that he had obtained supplies. The gardens, normally a popular tourist destination, have been closed during the search.
Due to the expanded search perimeter, two school districts canceled classes for the day. There have been five credible sightings of Cavalcante since his escape, but he has managed to elude capture so far.
Authorities have played a recording in Portuguese, obtained from Cavalcante's mother, over speakers in cars and helicopters, urging him to surrender peacefully. Local residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to Cavalcante's capture. The exact details of how he escaped from the prison remain unknown, and a joint investigation is underway.
The constant presence of law enforcement in the area has disrupted the lives of residents, with helicopters, drones, and security checkpoints becoming a common sight. Many are eager for a return to normalcy and are closely following updates on the ongoing manhunt.