Danelo Cavalcante planned carjacking to flee to Canada before capture - latest updates

Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante has revealed how he survived almost two weeks on the run from law enforcement, following his dramatic capture by a police dog called Yoda.

US Marshall Robert Clark told ABC News that the convicted killer was very candid after he was captured on Wednesday morning.

He told investigators how he evaded capture and survived in the woods by eating watermelon.

“He stated he intended to carjack somebody in the next 24 hours and that he was going to head north to Canada,” Mr Clark said. “He said on multiple occasions law enforcement officers almost stepped on him, [that] we were only five or six feet away.”

Pennsylvania officials said that tactical teams closed in on Cavalcante on Wednesday morning and the inmate began to crawl through heavy underbrush to get away. Yoda, a four-year-old Belgium Malinois, then set out to subdue Cavalcante, who was pictured with a bloody face following a dog bite.

Following his capture, officers were seen taking a group photo with him – something that officers have since come under fire for.

Cavalcante escaped Chester County Prison on 31 August – days after he was sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao. He is also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil.

Key Points

• Danelo Cavalcante finally captured after two-week manhunt

• Captured killer reveals new details about his time on the run

• Cavalcante suffered dog bite as K-9 Yoda stopped him from last attempt to escape

• Danelo Cavalcante pictured in new mug shot

• Moment police pose for group photo with escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante

• Danelo Cavalcante back behind bars at SCI Phoenix

How Danelo Cavalcante’s capture took place: Pennsylvania fugitive was found hiding under logs in shed

23:00 , Andrea Blanco

A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.

The fugitive was found hiding under logs inside a shed at a business dealership in Pottstown with the rifle he had previously stolen from a home in South Coventry Township. Aerial footage of the capture showed dozens of Border Patrol tactical unit officers surrounding Cavalcante, who was wearing a grey Eagles hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Officers then cleaned Cavalcante’s bloodied face and escorted him out of the woods and into a SWAT tactical car, where they proceeded to cut off Cavalcante’s clothing.

On Tuesday night, a burglar alarm went off at a residence within the search perimeter. Deputies responded to the scene but did not immediately locate Cavalcante.

Then at 1am on Wednesday, thermal imaging from a DEA aircraft picked up a signal and officials deployed ground forces. The aircraft had been flying over the perimeter for several days but had not successfully picked up a signal because of high temperatures.

Lightening and extreme weather in the early morning hours of Wednesday complicated the operation but law enforcement secured the perimeter and resumed efforts this morning.

As law enforcement closed in on Cavalcante, a K-9 unit was released to immobilise the fugitive. Lt Col George Bivens said that Cavalcante continued to resist and “crawl away” even after he was surrounded by officers.

Mr Bivens said that Cavalcante was taken by surprise and did not have a chance to use the rifle he had stolen. Cavalcante sustained a minor bite wound from the K-9 during the ordeal.

Law enforcement found Cavalcante hiding in a shed in Pottstown on Wednesday

Pennsylvania police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

21:00 , Andrea Blanco

Pennsylvania state police pose for a group victory photo with Danelo Cavalcante at the forefront, after they caught the escaped killer on Wednesday.

A large group of police officers, all dressed in military camouflage uniforms, gathered around the escaped killer after an exhausting two-week manhunt.

In the video, you can see one military personnel hand his phone over to another officer, before all gathering around for a photo with the fugitive. Some officers posed by crouching on the floor, one kneeling with his gun in hand next to Mr Cavalcante. Another officer made sure his police K-9 was in the shot.

Danelo Cavalcante reveals how he survived almost two weeks on the run

20:20 , Andrea Blanco

Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante has revealed how he survived almost two weeks on the run from law enforcement, following his dramatic capture by a police dog called Yoda.

US Marshall Robert Clark told NewsNation that the convicted killer “was brutally honest” after he was captured on Wednesday morning.

He told investigators how he evaded capture by hiding his faecal matter under leaves so that search teams couldn’t track him.

“He did say on three occasions law enforcement officers did almost step on him. They were about seven to eight yards away from him,” said Mr Clark.

After catching escaped murderer, officers took a photo with him. Experts say that was inappropriate

19:40 , Andrea Blanco

A group photo of about two dozen law officers in tactical gear posing with escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante minutes after his capture Wednesday in southeastern Pennsylvania drew criticism from policing reform advocates and some members of the public.

The moment of the photo was captured by a KYW-TV television news helicopter. It showed the officers and federal agents gathered in a half circle around the handcuffed escapee for a photo before loading him into an armoured vehicle.

Policing experts said the celebratory moment after the gruelling 14-day search for the armed suspect was inappropriate and dehumanizing. But at least one leader of the operation said he wasn’t bothered by it.

When asked about the criticism at a news conference Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens focused on the officer’s hard work under trying circumstances.

“They’re proud of their work,” Bivens said. “I’m not bothered at all by the fact that they took a photograph with him in custody.”

Policing experts said the practice of snapping photos, especially after a successful arrest, is not uncommon but has become more prevalent with the advent of smart phones. While many law enforcement agencies have tried to create conduct guidelines for social media use including barring posts to personal pages while wearing a uniform or from conducting on-duty activities, experts say those rules do not exist everywhere and are inconsistent.

“There’s not standards or uniformity in those policies. What we have here is a galvanizing act that might start a debate,” Adam Scott Wandt, an associate professor of public policy at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told The Associated Press.

“From a policing ethics point of view, a police officer taking a picture on the street and putting it on social media or doing it as a celebratory or retaliatory thing is not OK,” Wandt said. “As an attorney, it is an evidentiary problem being created here too. It’s a dangerous practice for a police officer to create evidence on a scene and not properly turn it over to the prosecutor.”

AP

WATCH: Chris Cuomo speaks with US Marshall who conducted Danelo Cavalcante capture

18:56 , Andrea Blanco

Prison escape charges and a Brazil trial: What comes next for Danelo Cavalcante?

17:42 , Andrea Blanco

Just hours after his arrest, Cavalcante was hit with new charges stemming from his jailbreak. He is already serving life in prison for the April 2021 brutal murder of his former ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao, 33.

Now, Brazilian prosecutors are also preparing to pursue a trial against Cavalcante in connection with a 2017 murder that the murder convict is accused of.

Here’s what comes next for Cavalcante:

Prison escape charges and a Brazil trial: What comes next for Danelo Cavalcante?

Store manager recounts Cavalcante’s arrest

17:06 , Andrea Blanco

Jim Martin, the manager of a Little’s John Deere dealership, said that Cavalcante’s arrest took place just outside of his business.

“We saw them checking the tree lines and out of nowhere everybody started congregating back by the shed and then we saw him walk him up,” Mr Martin told NBC 10. “One camouflage had his rifle and walked him up and EMS started working on him in the parking lot.”

Cavalcante was hiding under logs in a shed when he was surprised by law enforcement.

WATCH: Chester County communities return to normal with Cavalcante in custody

16:20 , Andrea Blanco

Officials will hold town halls for Chester County residents following Cavalcante’s capture

15:40 , Andrea Blanco

According to The Unionville Times, the Chester County Commissioners will hold town hall meetings with residents of the area where the manhunt for Cavalcante took place between 31 August and 13 September.

The town halls will take place on 18 and 20 September, and officials are expected to provide updates on security enhancement at Chester County Prison as well as offer counselling services for residents.

“The nightmare of the past two weeks may have concluded with the capture of Cavalcante, but there are many questions that we know our residents have, especially those who live close to the prison,” commissioners said in a statement to The Unionville Times.

“These Town Hall events will serve to provide an update on prison security and emergency communication and will also give us the chance to listen to residents and answer their questions.

“We stand ready to bring the resources of Chester County to bear, to support residents as they process and recover from this incident.”

How did Cavalcante elude law enforcement for two weeks?

15:02 , Andrea Blanco

Cavalcante escaped Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania back on 31 August after he was handed a life sentence for murdering his former girlfriend.

It was not until almost two weeks later – on the morning of 13 September – that the escaped prisoner was finally back in handcuffs, after he was captured by a tactical team and police K-9 in a wooded area.

Since his capture, investigators have now revealed that Cavalcante complied with their questions and told them various details about his time on the run from the police.

The Independent’s Amelia Neath reports:

How Danelo Cavalcante survived for two weeks on the run

WATCH: Police recount the capture of Pennsylvania fugitive Daniel Cavalcante

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Danelo Cavalcante hit with new charges over prison break

13:40 , Rachel Sharp

Danelo Cavalcante has been hit with new charges over his prison break which sparked a dramatic two-week manhunt,.

The convicted killer was captured on Wednesday after breaking out of Chester County Prison back on 31 August.

While he is already facing life in prison for murder, he has now also been charged with felony escape over the prison break.

On Wednesday, he made a brief court appearance where he was denied bail.

He is expected to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on 27 September.

PICTURED: Danelo Cavalcante escorted by officers after capture

13:20 , Rachel Sharp

This is Yoda, the four-year-old Belgian Malinois who subdued Cavalcante

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Lt Col Goerge Bivens said on Wednesday that a K-9 with Border Patrol had helped agents surprise Cvaalcante and secure his capture.

Cavalcante sustained a minor injury on his scalp from the confrontation with the dog. A Border Patrol told The Independent that the K9 behind the heroic efforts was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Yoda.

“The men and women of US Customs and Border Protection provide integral law enforcement support to local authorities, protecting and serving local communities around the country alongside our partners,” the spokesperson said. “Today’s actions are the latest demonstration of how our agents and officers bring incredible capability, additional interagency communications technology, and dedication to keep our communities safe. Most importantly, all those involved in the search were able to return home safe following the end to this manhunt.”

Danelo Cavalcante back behind bars at SCI Phoenix

12:40 , Rachel Sharp

Danelo Cavalcante is finally back behind bars after the two-week prison break.

The convicted killer was taken to SCI Phoenix, a maximum security prison in Montgomery County, on Wednesday.

While he is already facing life in priso for murder, he has now also been charged with felony escape over the prison break.

On Wednesday, he made a brief court appearance where he was denied bail.

He is expected to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on 27 September.

WATCH: Moment police pose for group photo with escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante after capture

12:20 , Rachel Sharp

Whose Eagles shirt was Danelo Cavalcante wearing when he was captured?

12:05 , Rachel Sharp

Police have promised to get a new Eagles shirt for whoever Danelo Cavalcante stole it from.

The killer was captured wearing a hooded top featuring the football team brand logo.

He changed outfits multiple times during his escape.

Danelo Cavalcante killed his girlfriend in front of her children. Then his prison escape sparked a two-week manhunt

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Danelo Cavalcante was sentenced to life behind bars for the April 2021 murder of Deborah Brandao. He broke free from jail days later, sparking a manhunt that lasted almost two weeks.

The Independent’s Faiza Saqib and Andrea Blanco report:

Danelo Cavalcante killed his girlfriend. Then he staged a prison break

Where did they find Danelo Cavalcante?

11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Cavalcante was arrested without incident on Wednesday morning after almost two weeks on the run.

The fugitive was found hiding inside a shed at a business dealership in Pottstown with the rifle he had previously stolen from a home in South Coventry Township, FOX29 reports. Aerial footage of the capture showed dozens of law enforcement officers surrounding Cavalcante, who was wearing a grey Eagles hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Officers then cleaned Cavalcante’s bloodied face and escorted him out of the woods and into a SWAT tactical car, where they proceeded to cut off Cavalcante’s clothing.

On Tuesday night, a burglar alarm went off at a residence within the search perimeter. Deputies responded to the scene but did not immediately locate Cavalcante.

Then at 1am on Wednesday, thermal imaging from a DEA aircraft picked up a signal and officials deployed ground forces. The aircraft had been flying over the perimeter for several days but had not successfully picked up a signal because of high temperatures.

Lightening and extreme weather in the early morning hours of Wednesday complicated the operation but law enforcement secured the perimeter and resumed efforts this morning.

As law enforcement closed in on Cavalcante, a K-9 unit was released to immobilise the fugitive. Lt Col George Bivens said that Cavalcante continued to resist and “crawl away” even after he was surrounded by officers.

Mr Bivens said that Cavalcante was taken by surprise and did not have a chance to use the rifle he had stolen. Cavalcante sustained a minor bite wound from the K-9 during the ordeal.

After catching escaped murderer, officers took a photo with him. Experts say that was inappropriate

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

A group photo of about two dozen law officers in tactical gear posing with escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante minutes after his capture Wednesday in southeastern Pennsylvania drew criticism from policing reform advocates and some members of the public.

The moment of the photo was captured by a KYW-TV television news helicopter. It showed the officers and federal agents gathered in a half circle around the handcuffed escapee for a photo before loading him into an armoured vehicle.

Policing experts said the celebratory moment after the gruelling 14-day search for the armed suspect was inappropriate and dehumanizing. But at least one leader of the operation said he wasn’t bothered by it.

When asked about the criticism at a news conference Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens focused on the officer’s hard work under trying circumstances.

“They’re proud of their work,” Bivens said. “I’m not bothered at all by the fact that they took a photograph with him in custody.”

Policing experts said the practice of snapping photos, especially after a successful arrest, is not uncommon but has become more prevalent with the advent of smart phones. While many law enforcement agencies have tried to create conduct guidelines for social media use including barring posts to personal pages while wearing a uniform or from conducting on-duty activities, experts say those rules do not exist everywhere and are inconsistent.

“There’s not standards or uniformity in those policies. What we have here is a galvanizing act that might start a debate,” Adam Scott Wandt, an associate professor of public policy at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told The Associated Press.

“From a policing ethics point of view, a police officer taking a picture on the street and putting it on social media or doing it as a celebratory or retaliatory thing is not OK,” Wandt said. “As an attorney, it is an evidentiary problem being created here too. It’s a dangerous practice for a police officer to create evidence on a scene and not properly turn it over to the prosecutor.”

AP

PICTURED: Danelo Cavalcante in new mug shot

10:40 , Rachel Sharp

Danelo Cavalcante reveals how he survived almost two weeks on run

10:20 , Rachel Sharp

Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante has revealed how he survived almost two weeks on the run from law enforcement, following his dramatic capture by a police dog called Yoda.

US Marshall Robert Clark told NewsNation that the convicted killer “was brutally honest” after he was captured on Wednesday morning.

He told investigators how he evaded capture by hiding his faecal matter under leaves so that search teams couldn’t track him.

“He did say on three occasions law enforcement officers did almost step on him. They were about seven to eight yards away from him,” said Mr Clark.

WATCH: CCTV footage shows Danelo Calvacante's prison escape

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Pennsylvania police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Pennsylvania state police pose for a group victory photo with Danelo Cavalcante at the forefront, after they caught the escaped killer on Wednesday.

A large group of police officers, all dressed in military camouflage uniforms, gathered around the escaped killer after an exhausting two-week manhunt.

In the video, you can see one military personnel hand his phone over to another officer, before all gathering around for a photo with the fugitive. Some officers posed by crouching on the floor, one kneeling with his gun in hand next to Mr Cavalcante. Another officer made sure his police K-9 was in the shot.

Store manager recounts Cavalcante’s arrest

07:30 , Andrea Blanco

Jim Martin, the manager of a Little’s John Deere dealership, said that Cavalcante’s arrest took place just outside of his business.

“We saw them checking the tree lines and out of nowhere everybody started congregating back by the shed and then we saw him walk him up,” Mr Martin told NBC 10. “One camouflage had his rifle and walked him up and EMS started working on him in the parking lot.”

Cavalcante was hiding under logs in a shed when he was surprised by law enforcement.

Hundreds of police officers hunted for Danelo Cavalcante for two weeks. A dog secured his capture

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

Calvalcante was finally taken back into custody after a 14-day multi-agency manhunt that spanned more than 25 miles. For nearly two weeks, Cavalcante eluded hundreds of SWAT, FBI, state, federal and local enforcement officers in full combat gear, as well as tracking dogs, and police on horseback and on aircraft.

It was a US Border Patrol’s tactical unit (BORTAC) that finally made the capture shortly after 8am. Dozens of agents in the special operations unit celebrated the major development with a victory photo next to a defeated, bloodied and handcuffed Cavalcante.

The key participant in the imminent capture, a K-9 who surprised Cavalcante and tackled him to the ground, also posed front row next to its handler for the photo.

Read more:

Police hunted for Danelo Cavalcante for two weeks. A dog secured his capture

Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante is captured hiding under logs in shed two weeks after prison escape

04:30 , Andrea Blanco

Cavalcante was arrested without incident shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed during a press conference.

“I want to say thank you to the public for their vigilance,” Gov Shapiro said. “This has been a tough and concerning time. We want to thank you for your support to law enforcement and for your support to the efforts that led to this capture.”

The fugitive was found hiding under logs inside a shed at a business dealership in Pottstown with the rifle he had previously stolen from a home in South Coventry Township, FOX29 reports. Aerial footage of the capture showed dozens of Border Patrol tactical unit officers surrounding Cavalcante, who was wearing a grey Eagles hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Officers then cleaned Cavalcante’s bloodied face and escorted him out of the woods and into a SWAT tactical car, where they proceeded to cut off Cavalcante’s clothing.

Cavalcante returns to prison

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Cavalcante’s processing at the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Avondale was finished on Wednesday, FOX29 reports.

The murder convict was expected to be transferred to a high-security state facility.

Before Cavalcante was captured, his mother defended his murders and said ‘everyone was lying about him’

01:30 , Andrea Blanco

Just a day before Cavalcante was captured on Wednesday, his mother Iracema Cavalcante said in an interview with The New York Times that she believed her 34-year-old son would be better off dead than spending the rest of his life behind bars for the April 2021 murder of his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao.

“If it’s to go to a place to suffer and die in that place, it’s better to die soon,” Ms Cavalcante told the Times on Tuesday. “You don’t have to suffer so much.”

Ms Cavalante acknowledged that her son killed his former ex-girlfriend in front of her young children but claimed that he only did it because he felt cornered.

“Did it happen? It happened,” Ms Cavalcante told the Times. “But it happened because of the stranglehold she put on him, the stance she took with him ... It wasn’t femicide. He had to, he had no other choice.”

Prison escape, multiple sightings and a stolen rifle: Timeline of the Danelo Cavalcante manhunt and capture

Thursday 14 September 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Fugitive murder convict Danelo Cavalcante has finally been captured 14 days after his prison escape in northwestern Pennsylvania.

For nearly two weeks following his escape from the Chester County Prison on 31 August, Cavalcante not only eluded hundreds of US Marshalls, SWAT, FBI and state and local law enforcement officers but also managed to sneak past the established search perimeter time and time again - and even stole a rifle from a home.

Over the weekend, the fugitive drove more than 25 miles from his initial hiding spot in Longwood Gardens after stealing a van that he then discarded in East Nantmeal Township. Then on Monday night, he broke inside a garage in South Coventry Township and stole a .22 rifle before fleeing the scene.

Residents of the suburban Pennsylvania county grew increasingly frustrated as police scrambled to keep up with Cavalcante’s moves.

Finally, on Wednesday morning, police announced Cavalcante’s capture.

Here’s a timeline of the stunning case:

Timeline of the Danelo Cavalcante manhunt and capture

Meet Yoda, the four-year-old Belgian Malinois who subdued Cavalcante

Wednesday 13 September 2023 22:17 , Andrea Blanco

Lt Col George Bivens said on Wednesday that a K-9 with Border Patrol had helped agents surprise Cvaalcante and secure his capture.

Cavalcante sustained a minor injury on his scalp from the confrontation with the dog. A Border Patrol told The Independent that the K9 behind the heroic efforts was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Yoda.

“The men and women of US Customs and Border Protection provide integral law enforcement support to local authorities, protecting and serving local communities around the country alongside our partners,” the spokesperson said. “Today’s actions are the latest demonstration of how our agents and officers bring incredible capability, additional interagency communications technology, and dedication to keep our communities safe. Most importantly, all those involved in the search were able to return home safe following the end to this manhunt.”

Governor commends law enforcement for manhunt

Wednesday 13 September 2023 21:22 , Andrea Blanco

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said that Danelo Cavalcante was captured just after 8am local time on Wednesday morning.

“He was apprehended with no shots fired,” he said.

“First and foremost, thank god there were no injuries to law enforcement or the public... we were deeply concerned after the supect was able to [get a firearm]”.

The governor thanked the “extraordinary work of law enforcement officials” including Pennsylvania State Police, federal partners and local officials.

Deborah Brandao’s family among first calls made by law enforcement following arrest, DA says

Wednesday 13 September 2023 20:09 , Andrea Blanco

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said that one of the first calls made following Danelo Cavalcante’s capture was to the family of his victim Deborah Brandao.

Cavalcante murdered his then-girlfriend Brandao in 2021 in front of her two small children. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison this August.

“Our nightmare is finally over and the good guys won,” said DA Ryan.

“We never lost faith that this capture would take place and knew it was just a matter of time.”

A timeline of Cavalcante’s arrest

Wednesday 13 September 2023 19:22 , Andrea Blanco

On Tuesday night, a burglar alarm went off at a residence within the search perimeter. Deputies responded to the scene but did not immediately locate Cavalcante.

Then at 1am on Wednesday, thermal imaging from a DEA aircraft picked up a signal and officials deployed ground forces. The aircraft had been flying over the perimeter for several days but had not successfully picked up a signal because of high temperatures.

Lightening and extreme weather in the early morning hours of Wednesday complicated the operation but law enforcement secured the perimeter and resumed efforts this morning.

As law enforcement closed in on Cavalcante, a K-9 unit was released to immobilise the fugitive. Lt Col George Bivens said that Cavalcante continued to resist and “crawl away” even after he was surrounded by officers.

Mr Bivens said that Cavalcante was taken by surprise and did not have a chance to use the rifle he had stolen. Cavalcante sustained a minor bite wound from the K-9 during the ordeal.

Pennsylvania police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

Wednesday 13 September 2023 18:54 , Andrea Blanco

Pennsylvania state police posed for a group victory photo with Danelo Cavalcante at the forefront, after they caught the escaped killer on Wednesday.

A large group of police officers, all dressed in military camouflage uniforms, gathered around the escaped killer after an exhausting two-week manhunt.

In the video, you can see one military personnel hand his phone over to another officer, before all gathering around for a photo with the fugitive. Some officers posed by crouching on the floor, one kneeling with his gun in hand next to Mr Cavalcante. Another officer made sure his police K-9 was in the shot.

The Independent’s Amelia Neath reports:

Police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

Cavalcante was ‘defiant’ even after he was surrounded by law enforcement

Wednesday 13 September 2023 18:25 , Andrea Blanco

Lt Col George Bivens told CNN that the fugitive was stressed as law enforcement closed in on him on Wednesday morning. But even after he was surrounded, Cavalcante tried to crawl away.

“When the dog got to him, he then went flat with the dog on him — the dog was able to detain him there,” Mr Bivens said. “The dog is very quick, has the ability to disable someone and take them off guard so that they’re not able to do something, like fire a gun or use a knife or whatever. Or escaping.”

14-day frantic manhunt for Cavalcante comes to an end

Wednesday 13 September 2023 17:52 , Andrea Blanco

A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.

Cavalcante was arrested without incident shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed during a press conference.

Read more:

Danelo Cavalcante captured nearly two weeks after prison escape

WATCH: Police recount the capture of Pennsylvania fugitive Daniel Cavalcante

Wednesday 13 September 2023 17:27 , Andrea Blanco

Victim’s family notified in advance about arrest

Wednesday 13 September 2023 16:55 , Rachel Sharp

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said that one of the first calls made following Danelo Cavalcante’s capture was to the family of his victim Deborah Brandao.

Cavalcante murdered his then-girlfriend Brandao in 2021 in front of her two small children. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison this August.

“Our nightmare is finally over and the good guys won,” said DA Ryan.

“We never lost faith that this capture would take place and knew it was just a matter of time.”

FULL STORY: Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante is captured hiding under logs in shed two weeks after prison escape

Wednesday 13 September 2023 16:35 , Rachel Sharp

A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.

Cavalcante was arrested without incident shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed during a press conference.

“I want to say thank you to the public for their vigilance,” Gov Shapiro said. “This has been a tough and concerning time. We want to thank you for your support to law enforcement and for your support to the efforts that led to this capture.”

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has the story:

Danelo Cavalcante captured nearly two weeks after prison escape

WATCH: Moment police pose with escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante after capture

Wednesday 13 September 2023 16:15 , Rachel Sharp

Pennsylvania police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:55 , Rachel Sharp

Pennsylvania state police pose for a group victory photo with Danelo Cavalcante at the forefront, after they caught the escaped killer on Wednesday.

A large group of police officers, all dressed in military camouflage uniforms, gathered around the escaped killer after an exhausting two-week manhunt.

In the video, you can see one military personnel hand his phone over to another officer, before all gathering around for a photo with the fugitive. Some officers posed by crouching on the floor, one kneeling with his gun in hand next to Mr Cavalcante. Another officer made sure his police K-9 was in the shot.

Cavalcante was in cuffs and held by two police officers who got him into position for the photo.

Read the full story:

Police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase

Danelo Cavalcante won’t escape again: police

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:40 , Rachel Sharp

Police appear to be confident that Cavalcante won’t escape again.

“I can assure you he will not escape while in our custody,” Lt Col Bivens insisted.

Police promise to get new Eagles shirt for whoever Cavalcante stole from

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:33 , Rachel Sharp

Police have promised to get a new Eagles shirt for whoever Danelo Cavalcante stole it from.

The killer was captured wearing a hooded top featuring the football team brand logo.

He changed outfits multiple times during his escape.

Cavalcante bitten by police dog

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:26 , Rachel Sharp

Danelo Cavalcante was bitten by a police dog during his capture.

Officials confirmed that he suffered a “minor bite wound” after a dog was set to try to stop him from escaping.

Police said it was “not a significant injury”.

Images of his capture show Cavalcante with blood on his face.

Cavalcante could face charges over prison escape

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:20 , Rachel Sharp

Police said that Danelo Cavalcante could also face charges over his prison escape – as he is sent to prison for life for his girlfriend’s murder.

Law enforcement will meet with the local district attorney to discuss possible charges, said authorities.

Danelo Cavalcante tried to escape one last time

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:15 , Rachel Sharp

Danelo Cavalcante tried to escape when tactical teams swooped, according to authorities.

Lt Col Bivens said that the killer crawled through thick underbrush taking the rifle he had stolen with him.

Officials released a police dog and managed to “forcibly” take him into custody.

Police had ‘element of surprise'

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:10 , Rachel Sharp

Lt Col Bivens said that the search teams had the “element of surprise” over Danelo Cavalcante.

“He did not know that he was surrounded,” he said, of the moment that tactical teams circled the heat imaging spot and went in to capture him.

Police: Timeline of his capture

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:06 , Rachel Sharp

Lt Col Bivens revealed details of his capture.

“It is a true pleasure to stand here this morning and talk to all of you about bringing this manhunt to a successful conclusion,” he said.

- Just after midnight a series of events started to unfold, he said.

- Burglar alarm at residence near Prizer Road within the perimiter. Investigated but did not find Cavalcante.

- Were searching area not far from there and then used thermal imaging technology – around 1am ET found a heat signal and tracked that. Briefly hampered by storm.

- Secured that area during storm until could bring aircraft back overhead.

- Search resumed early this morning and then just around 8am tactical teams converged on the area where the heat source was.

Pennsylvania governor: Cavalcante captured just after 8am

Wednesday 13 September 2023 15:00 , Rachel Sharp

The press conference has begun.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said that Danelo Cavalcante was captured just after 8am local time on Wednesday morning.

“He was apprehended with no shots fired,” he said.

“First and foremost, thank god there were no injuries to law enforcement or the public... we were deeply concerned after the supect was able to [get a firearm]”.

The governor thanked the “extraordinary work of law enforcement officials” including Pennsylvania State Police, federal partners and local officials.

WATCH LIVE: Press conference on capture of Danelo Cavalcante

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:56 , Rachel Sharp

Live: Police speak after capture of Pennsylvania fugitive following two-week manhunt

Police press conference about to start

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:52 , Rachel Sharp

The press conference is about to start.

On the stage are images of Danelo Cavalcante during his capture:

How Danelo Cavalcante was captured:

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:27 , Rachel Sharp

A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday 13 September as he was captured in Pennsylvania.

Cavalcante was arrested without incident on Wednesday and taken to the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale barracks. Authorities are set to hold a press conference on the capture at 9.30am.

The fugitive was found hiding inside a shed in Pottstown with the rifle he had previously stolen from a home in South Coventry Township, FOX29 reports. Aerial footage of the capture showed dozens of law enforcement officers surrounding Cavalcante, who was wearing a grey Eagles hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Cavalcante was escorted to a SWAT tactical car, where officers cut apart his clothing.

Aerial footage shows officers on the scene of Danelo Cavalcante’s arrest

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:18 , Rachel Sharp

Aerial footage shows heavily-armed law enforcement officers on the scene of Danelo Cavalcante’s arrest.

Moment police pose with killer after capture

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:12 , Rachel Sharp

PICTURED: Danelo Cavalcante captured

Wednesday 13 September 2023 14:06 , Rachel Sharp

Press conference set for 9.30am

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:55 , Rachel Sharp

Authorities will hold a press conference at 9.30am ET about the capture of escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante.

Pennsylvania State Police announced on Twitter that they will hold a briefing to give details of “THE CAPTURE of Danelo Cavalcante”.

The briefing will take place at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire company, 36 Firehouse Drive, Kennett Square, PA.

The Independent will be following it live.

FULL STORY: Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante captured nearly two weeks after prison escape

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:40 , Rachel Sharp

A nearly two-week manhunt for a dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.

For 14 days, Cavalcante managed to elude hundreds of law enforcement officers, including tactical teams in full combat gear, tracking dogs, cops on horseback and on aircraft. Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens had credited Cavalcante’s upbringing in rural Brazil for his ability to hide in the vast wooded terrains in Chester County.

The jailbreak on 31 August sparked fear among residents of the county’s suburbs, who were urged to keep their homes secure following a series of break-ins believed to be linked to Cavalcante. On 11 September, fears reached a fever pitch as Cavalcante stole a gun from a garage.

Read more here...

BREAKING NEWS: Danelo Cavalcante captured

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:28 , Rachel Sharp

Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed that Danelo Cavalcante has been captured after almost two weeks on the run.

“A press conference announcing details of THE CAPTURE of Danelo Cavalcante is scheduled for 9:30am at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire company, 36 Firehouse Drive, Kennett Square, PA,” Pennsylvania State Police said in a social media post.

Where has Danelo Cavalcante been spotted since his Pennsylvania jailbreak?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 13:10 , Andrea Blanco

Cavalcante, 34, has not only eluded hundreds of US Marshalls, SWAT, FBI and state and local law enforcement officers — he has also managed to sneak past the established search perimeter time and time again and is now armed.

Over the weekend, the fugitive drove more than 25 miles from his initial hiding spot in Longwood Gardens after stealing a van that he then discarded in East Nantmeal Township.

Then on Monday night, he broke inside a garage in South Coventry Township and stole a .22 rifle before fleeing the scene.

Residents of the suburban Pennsylvania county are growing increasingly frustrated as police scramble to keep up with Cavalcante’s moves.

Where has Danelo Cavalcante been spotted since his Pennsylvania jailbreak?

Police: Danelo Cavalcante knows the area where he is hiding

Wednesday 13 September 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp

Police believe that Danelo Cavalcante is familiar with the area where he is currently on the run from authorities – as the manhunt enters its 14th day with the killer still at large.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens said in a press conference on Tuesday that officials believe the convicted killer has been in the area before and knows where he is.

The search perimeter is currently focused on the South Coventry Township area including Routes 23 and 100, Fairview and Nantmeal Roads, and Iron Bridge and County Park Roads.

Police admitted it will take time to search the area for the killer and urged residents to stay inside.

Former NYPD sergeant says that Pennsylvania authorities face challenges in ‘difficult terrain’

Wednesday 13 September 2023 12:30 , Andrea Blanco

Retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone told Insider that it was only a matter of time for Pennsylvania authorities to capture Cavalcante.

Mr Giacalone, an adjunct professor at New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told the outlet that the delay in arresting the fugitive was in great part due to the difficulty in securing the search perimeter.

“This is like hide-and-go-seek, but at a massive level,” Mr Giacalone said. “The terrain is very difficult ... There’s plenty of places to hide, whether it’s the densely populated woods, the cornfields, the barns,” as well as culverts and creeks.

He added: “You can’t blame the cops — they’re pulling out all the stops.”

Cavalcante’s mother says her son would be better off dead than arrested

Wednesday 13 September 2023 12:10 , Andrea Blanco

Cavalcante’s mother Iracema Cavalcante said in an interview with The New York Times that she believes her 34-year-old son is better off dead than spending the rest of his life behind bars for the April 2021 murder of his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao.

“If it’s to go to a place to suffer and die in that place, it’s better to die soon,” Ms Cavalcante told the Times on Tuesday. “You don’t have to suffer so much.”

In the aftermath of Cavalcante’s escape, his mother recorded a message asking his son to surrender, which authorities then blasted into his previous hiding place from helicopters and patrol cars. She has now said that if she had another chance to communicate with her son, she would tell him to “ask God to forgive him for what he did.”

“If I said my son didn’t make a mistake, I’d be lying,” Ms Calvacante added. “I know what my son did was wrong. I know my son should pay for his mistake. But I want my son to pay for his mistake with dignity. Not to pay with his life.”

Cavalcante stabbed his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao 40 times in front of her young children.

He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and escaped from Chester County Prison on 31 August while awaiting transfer to state prison.

In Brazil, prosecutors in Tocantins state have also accused Cavalcante of “double qualified homicide” in the 2017 slaying of Válter Júnior Moreira dos Reis in Figueirópolis, which they said was over a debt the victim owed him for repairing a vehicle.

Where is Danelo Cavalcante now?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 11:50 , Rachel Sharp

“Cavalcante is believed to be within a perimeter in the South Coventry Township area: Routes 23 & 100, Fairview & Nantmeal Roads, and Iron Bridge & County Park Roads. Residents should secure buildings, property and vehicles. Report sightings or related activity immediately to 911,” Pennsylvania State Police said in the latest update.

Authorities offer $25,000 for information that leads to Cavalcante’s capture

Wednesday 13 September 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco

For more than twelve days, Cavalcante has eluded US Marshalls, SWAT and FBI teams, state police and several local law enforcement agencies.

The reward offered for information that leads to Cavalcante’s capture has been increased to $25,000.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens said that Cavalcante is now armed and the concern remains that he could manage to steal another vehicle to move farther away from the East Nantmeal Township and South Coventry Township area.

WATCH: CCTV footage shows Danelo Calvacante's prison escape

Wednesday 13 September 2023 11:10 , Rachel Sharp

Pennsylvania residents stock up on firearms

Wednesday 13 September 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

Terrified Pennsylvania residents are stocking up on guns after learning that escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante is now armed with a rifle while on the run.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed that Cavalcante broke into a garage at a home in East Nantmeal Township on Monday and stole a .22 caliber rifle.

The owner spotted the fugitive and fired seven shots at him as he fled.

With the manhunt now entering its 14th day and police coming under fire for failing to capture him, residents appear to be taking matters into their own hands.

Gun shop owners in Chester County told ABC6 that there has been an uptick in gun sales in the local area.

Chris Gordon – owner of Gordon’s Sport Supply, which is located along the periphery of the current search area – said that many people have .22 caliber rifles, the same model that Cavalcante is now armed with.

“A lot of people have them,” he said. “A lot of fun to target shoot with, small game hunt with. It would be appropriate being it has a 10-round magazine, which fits the bill with everything is going on.”

But he said people are now asking him for something quicker and easier to use if confronted by the convicted killer.

Police warn that escapee Danelo Cavalcante is armed. He has avoided searchers for nearly two weeks

Wednesday 13 September 2023 10:30

Authorities warned that an escaped murderer who has evaded capture in southeastern Pennsylvania for nearly two weeks was armed and urged residents Tuesday in the area where he was being pursued to lock up, secure vehicles and remain indoors.

Pennsylvania State Police posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the department was pursuing Danelo Souza Cavalcante in South Coventry Township. Police also asked that the public call 911 if Cavalcante is seen and not to approach him.

At least one nearby school district announced early Tuesday that it would close all schools and offices for the day and another in the area planned to keep students indoors.

On Monday, state and federal officials pushed back against questions about whether they blew a chance to catch Cavalcante, saying that the area where hundreds had been searching included heavy woods, underground tunnels and drainage ditches. They also said it took more than two hours for news to reach them that he had been spotted outside of the perimeter for the first time.

Police warn that escapee Danelo Cavalcante is armed. He has avoided searchers for nearly two weeks

- AP

Pennsylvania police defend against criticism of Danelo Cavalcante manhunt after revealing killer is armed

Wednesday 13 September 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Since his escape from Chester County Prison on 31 August, Cavalcante has travelled more than 30 miles from his initial hiding spot in Longwood Gardens. US Marshalls, FBI, SWAT teams and local and state police have scrambled to keep up with Cavalcante’s moves, despite assertions by officials that the manhunt is “wearing him down.”

During a press conference on Tuesday morning, Lt Col George Bivens downplayed the fact that Cavalcante is now armed. Mr Bivens insisted that the initially established search perimeter was strong and no mistakes were made — a perimeter that had to be repeatedly expanded as Cavalcante kept sneaking past it, until it was dropped altogether on Monday.

“We have considered him dangerous from the very start, it changes nothing,” Mr Bivens told reporters. “We just now absolutely know that he has a weapon.”

The Independent’s Andrea Blanco reports:

Police warn that escapee Danelo Cavalcante is armed. He has avoided searchers for nearly two weeks

Watch: Pennsylvania police confirm escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante stole rifle and is now ‘armed’

Wednesday 13 September 2023 09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Pennsylvania police have confirmed that escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante is now ‘armed’ after stealing a .22 calibre rifle from a home in East Nantmeal Township on Monday 12 September.

Pennsylvania State Police recovered nearby the green hoodie and shoes the prisoner was pictured wearing over the weekend and are now focusing their search on South Coventry Township, warning locals to “lock all doors and windows”.

The manhunt for Cavalcante is entering its 12th day, after he escaped from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania where he was sentenced to life without parole for stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death.

Watch: Police confirm escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante is ‘armed’ with stolen rifle

No signs that Cavalcante has been injured, police say

Wednesday 13 September 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Lt Col told CNN that there was no evidence suggesting Cavalcante had suffered injuries during a confrontation with a South Coventry Township homeowner who shot at the fugitive after he stole a .22 rifle.

“Throughout this, I’ve maintained a high level of confidence. I would hope that we’re able to get him in this perimeter. We’re going to search and I anticipate we will find him in there. All I can tell you is we will do our absolute best. We will capture him one way or another,” Mr Bivens said.

“There is no blood or anything on sight that leads us to believe that [the homeowner] wounded Cavalcante — it was just enough to force Cavalcante to back out of the premises and back out into the woods.”

Why is the search proving to be so difficult?

Wednesday 13 September 2023 08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The challenge in finding the escaped, convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante is the terrain of the search area, Lt Col George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police has said.

This expansive area is densely forested, offering numerous hiding spots, he added.

Establishing a secure search perimeter has proven to be problematic due to the presence of an extensive underground tunnel system, sizable drainage ditches, and thick vegetation, Mr Bivens points out.

WATCH: Neighbors on edge as manhunt for killer comes close to home: 'I want him caught'

Wednesday 13 September 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Fugitive Danelo Cavalcante’s mother defends his murders and says ‘everyone is lying about him’

Wednesday 13 September 2023 07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Danelo Cavalcante’s mother has spoken out in defence of her convicted murderer son nearly two weeks after he escaped from a prison in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Cavalcante’s mother Iracema Cavalcante said in an interview with The New York Times that she believes her 34-year-old son is better off dead than spending the rest of his life behind bars for the April 2021 murder of his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao.

“If it’s to go to a place to suffer and die in that place, it’s better to die soon,” Ms Cavalcante told the Times on Tuesday. “You don’t have to suffer so much.”

Ms Cavalante acknowledged that her son killed his former ex-girlfriend in front of her young children but claimed that he only did it because he felt cornered.

“Did it happen? It happened,” Ms Cavalcante told the Times. “But it happened because of the stranglehold she put on him, the stance she took with him ... It wasn’t femicide. He had to, he had no other choice.”

Danelo Cavalcante’s mother defends his murders and says ‘everyone is lying about him’

Homeowner opens fire on Danelo Cavalcante after he stole rifle from Pennsylvania home

Wednesday 13 September 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

A man fired seven times at Cavalcante after the convicted prisoner broke into his home on Monday night.

Police confirmed the shooting at a press conference on Tuesday morning, saying Cavalcante is “armed and dangerous” and a search of the area near the home was fruitless.

The Independent’s Martha McHardy reports:

Homeowner opens fire on Danelo Cavalcante after he stole rifle from home

Police hunting Danelo Cavalcante say it’s ‘advantage law enforcement’ as search zeroes in on township

Wednesday 13 September 2023 06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Authorities hunting for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante have said they’re hopeful their chances of capturing him will increase now that he has moved to an urban area.

Pennsylvania State Police provided an update on the ongoing search for the escaped killer as the search for Cavalcante entered its 12th day on Monday. Lt Col George Bivens said the manhunt had moved from a containment-focused search to one where other investigative resources are being allocated across northern Chester County.

Over the weekend, Cavalcante managed to steal a van near a dairy farm in Longwood Gardens, in Popocson Township — where he had been hiding since his escape from Chester County Prison on 31 August. The fugitive drove the white 2020 Ford Transit van more than 20 miles to Phoenixville and unsuccessfully tried to get help from two former coworkers who were not home when Cavalcante showed up at their door.

Read the full story here:

Police hunting Danelo Cavalcante say it’s ‘advantage law enforcement’