KENNETT SQUARE — The search to bring a killer to justice is hotter than ever in Chester County.
Danelo Cavalcante escaped Chester County Prison in Pocopson on Aug. 31 and he’s been on the run ever since.
Lt. Col. George Bivens is the commander on the ground for the Pennsylvania State Police, the lead agency in charge of capturing Cavalcante.
The highest branch of state law enforcement in the Commonwealth has set up its command center at Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company in Unionville, East Marlborough Township.
Bivens told the press during a tour of the incident command post that as of Friday, as many as 400 law enforcement officers have assembled in Chester County to assist in the search for Cavalcante.
Working alongside state troopers to bring the escaped killer to justice include U.S. Marshals, U.S. Border Patrol agents with tactical expertise, Chester County Detectives, local law enforcement and first responders. The FBI is also on the scene.
“He’s a very dangerous individual,” Bivens said.
Bivens said investigators have connected with law enforcement in Brazil, Cavalcante’s native country. There, law enforcement has accused him of murdering a man in broad daylight and then fleeing to the jungle. From there, he fled to America.
‘We will secure justice again’
Last month, Cavalcante, 34, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Deborah Brandao, his former partner, whom he killed in April 2021. She was 33.
Cavalcante stabbed Brandao 38 times outside her home in Schuylkill Township in front of her son and daughter. Her children survived.
“Law enforcement is working around the clock to bring this man to justice,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan on Friday.
She spoke to the Daily Local News from the state police’s command center in Unionville at Po-Mar-Lin.
“We just want everyone to be mindful that they need to continue to be vigilant, monitor their surroundings — lock their doors. Lock their homes,” Ryan said.
“We found people who have kept their homes unlocked, still, during this manhunt,” she added. “We just want to make sure everyone is safe. We know we are doing our jobs. We are close. And we believe we will get him into custody very soon.”
Ryan successfully prosecuted the state’s case against Cavalcante for the murder of Brandao.
“As a community now, we’re rallying together to ensure that the right thing happens,” Ryan said. “This is all about, at the end of the day, what happened to Deborah Brandao. She received justice. Her family received justice — but now they’re living through a terrible nightmare.”
Ryan continued, “With the community’s help and with all of these outstanding law enforcement officers out there, day-in-and-day-out, we will secure justice again for this family.”
‘No stranger to hardship’
Bivens said Cavalcante grew up poor in Brazil.
“He’s no stranger to hardship,” Bivens said. “He can probably endure.”
Yet he’s facing the might of nearly 400 law enforcement officers united in their mission to find him before he has the chance of hurting anyone else ever again.
Friday morning, Bivens said he’s deployed mounted detail, many tactical units, and K-9 officers — coupled with aviation teams searching for Cavalcante from above.
“We’re giving this a very hard push today,” Bivens said.
The lieutenant colonel said mushroom houses were being searched.
There have been several sightings of Cavalcante on Longwood Gardens property during the last nine days.
Bivens encouraged people to use common sense during the duration of this manhunt.
“We’re here for you,” he said.
Nearby, final preparations for the 38th annual Mushroom Festival are underway. The event continues Saturday and Sunday.
William Holdsworth, chief of the Kennett Square Police Department, shared reassurance to the Kennett community and southern Chester County region that the Mushroom Festival will be a safe event.
“As always,” Holdsworth said, “we have significant security measures in place to provide public safety for all in attendance.”
