Escaping Justice: The Elusive Danelo Cavalcante

Danelo Cavalcante's recent attempt to escape from prison in Pennsylvania has sparked a massive manhunt, with hundreds of police officers scouring the countryside for the convicted murderer. Cavalcante's history of evading justice dates back to 2017, when he allegedly shot and killed his former friend, Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis, in Brazil. He has been on the run for nearly two decades, with a reputation for being quiet, keeping to himself, and possessing a large number of guns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cavalcante was being held in Chester County Prison for the murder of his former girlfriend, Déborah Evangelista Brandão, in April 2021.
  • On August 31, Cavalcante escaped from the prison, making his way to the Pennsylvania countryside, where he has been hiding for over a week.
  • Cavalcante had previously escaped from a rural area in Brazil, where he had been hiding on a ranch for several months.
  • Cavalcante has been considered a fugitive in Brazil since 2017, after allegedly shooting and killing Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis.
  • Cavalcante's family, including his brother and sister, still live in Brazil and have been known to be tight-lipped about their son's and brother's activities.
  • Cavalcante's friendship with Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis soured when he lent him a car and was never paid back, leading to a series of death threats.
  • Cavalcante is known to have a reputation for being quiet and keeping to himself, often avoiding eye contact with others.
  • Cavalcante's rural upbringing in Brazil has provided him with the skills to evade law enforcement in the countryside.

Statistics:

  • 6: The number of times Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis was shot by Danelo Cavalcante in the Brazilian town square.
  • 2017: The year in which Cavalcante allegedly shot and killed Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis in Brazil.
  • 12,000 acres: The size of the rural community where Cavalcante's family lives in Brazil.
  • 5,000: The population of the town of Figueirópolis, where Cavalcante once hid out in the Brazilian countryside.
  • Aug 31: The date on which Danelo Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison.
  • 14 days: The length of time that Cavalcante has been hiding in the Pennsylvania countryside.

Sources:

  • Robert Clark, a supervisory deputy United States marshal.
  • Evaldo Alves Feitosa, the owner of a snack stand near the church in the town square where Cavalcante was last seen.
  • Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis's sister, Dayane.
  • Raimundo Campos dos Santos, a longtime resident of the area where Cavalcante's family lives.
  • Kelton Meneses, a priest in Figueirópolis, Brazil.
  • Maria Cardoso, a retired schoolteacher who taught Valter Júnior Moreira dos Reis.