Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Danelo Cavalcante has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from his escape from Chester County Prison and criminal activities while on the run across neighborhoods and the countryside for 13 days in August 2023.
Cavalcante, 35, who was already serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, today pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, persons not to possess a firearm, and escape. Cavalcante was sentenced to an additional 15-30 years in a State Correctional Institution, to be served consecutive to his existing life sentence.
“This defendant was already serving a life sentence when he escaped and put an entire community on edge as he continued to commit more crimes while on the run,” said Attorney General Henry. “I commend the immense effort of the hundreds of troopers, officers, and agents who worked tirelessly to bring him into custody.”
On August 31, 2023, Cavalcante escaped custody from Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township, PA by scaling a wall and maneuvering past a razor-wire fence. His escape initiated a 13-day search during which he committed several crimes, including two residential burglaries where the homeowners were present, theft of an automobile, theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a person not eligible to carry. The extensive search for Cavalcante concluded on September 13, 2023 when law enforcement agents apprehended him in a heavily wooded area in Chester County.
The case is being prosecuted by SDAG Christopher Phillips.