'Take him out': Escaped killer flees search area; authorities given 'okay' to use deadly force

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Danelo Souza Cavalcante by is licensed under
CHESTER COUNTY, PA - Danelo Souza Cavalcante, the currently at-large, convicted murderer who busted out of a Pennsylvania prison in late August, has reportedly eluded authorities past the designated search area.

In light of the circumstances, law enforcement in Pennsylvania has reportedly been given the green light to use deadly force against Cavalcante in the event an encounter doesn’t result in an immediate surrender.

On August 31st, 34-year-old Cavalcante was being held at the Chester County Prison when he pulled off an escape at approximately 9:00 a.m. by apparently “crab walking” up a wall to gain roof access, giving the convicted murderer an opportunity to push himself through the razor wire and make his way on foot.

The corrections officer working tower duty during the inmate’s escape has since been fired.

Back on August 22nd, Cavalcante was handed down a life sentence for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, whom he murdered in front of her children at the victim’s home.

According to officials, Cavalcante is also wanted for a 2017 murder out of Brazil. Prosecutors say Cavalcante committed the 2021 murder of his then-girlfriend after she threatened to expose his charges in Brazil.

The 2017 homicide charges reportedly stem from the murder of Válter Júnior Moreira dos Reis in Figueirópolis, with Brazilian officials alleging Cavalcante had murdered the victim over an unpaid debt related to vehicular repairs.

In the week and a half since his escape, authorities have seemingly been just one step behind in terms of tracking down Cavalcante. At one point, authorities believed to have had the fugitive surrounded within the Longwood Gardens botanical park, but Cavalcante was somehow able to slip past the roughly 400 law enforcement officers undetected.

Since then, officials say Cavalcante stole a Baily’s Dairy delivery van and was later spotted attempting to visit an old coworker of his via obtained Ring doorbell cam footage. However, authorities were not able to catch up to the fugitive in time, and police later found the stolen work van abandoned in East Nantmeal Township.

During a press conference held on September 10th, Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that a preauthorization for the state police to use deadly force against Cavalcante has been granted.

According to state police regulations, a preauthorization to use deadly force against a fugitive is only authorized in cases where the escapee has either committed a serious violent felony and/or poses a severe threat against the community while at-large.

Thus, if encountered by law enforcement, Cavalcante failing to surrender could result in him being taken down on the spot.

As of this writing, there is an active $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture of Cavalcante. However, authorities are stressing that the public to avoid Cavalcante if seen, as he is considered to be extremely dangerous.
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Comments

S

I don’t see why they need “permission” to take out the trash. That’s totally ridiculous. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill them or another person, he’s already killed 2!!!

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