Two school districts in Pennsylvania closed Tuesday after law enforcement officials widened their search for an “extremely dangerous” murderer who escaped from prison Aug. 31.
The manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante, 34, has widened in Chester County after the escaped convict was spotted on security cameras near the prison. The ongoing search prompted two area school districts — Kennett Consolidated School District and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District — to shutter their doors “out of an abundance of caution,” the two schools announced via social media.
“[T]he inmate has not been apprehended, and his current location is believed to be in the Pocopson Township area. Our administrative team has been in contact with the District Attorney’s office, Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement,” a release from Kennett Consolidated Schools stated. (RELATED: ‘Really Good At Hiding’: Authorities In Pennsylvania Searching For ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Murderer After Prison Escape)
KCSD Alert: All KCSD schools and offices are closed Tuesday Sept. 5 Visit our website for an update regarding the escaped inmate from Chester County Prison: https://t.co/1nh3vEBJc3
— KCSD (@KCSDDistrict) September 5, 2023
While the school district acknowledged that law enforcement officials had not recommended any changes to their school schedule, administrators opted to suspend classes as a precautionary measure, noting “an increased police presence” would be present at all schools in the district.
“The district has received information that the status of the situation with the escaped prisoner has changed. Schools and offices are closed today and the district will operate on a Flexible Instructional Day,” Unionville-Chadds Ford School announced.
Cavalcante, a former gang member in Brazil, was convicted for stabbing former girlfriend Deborah Brandao to death in front of her two children in April 2021, the district attorney’s office stated in August. Brandao was killed after threatening to call the authorities when she learned of the homicide allegations against Cavalcante in Brazil. Brandao was allegedly outside with her children, aged four and seven, when Calvacante arrived at their home, “grabbed the victim’s hair, threw her to the ground, and stabbed her 38 times,” according to the press release.
“I intend to stress him,” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col George Bivens said of the hunt for Cavalcante. “I want to push him hard. He’ll make mistakes. He’ll show himself. He’s already shown himself.”
Pennsylvania State Police have assured they are doing everything in their power to bring Cavalcante back to justice but have warned the public not to approach the escaped convict if spotted.