POCOPSON TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania – On August 31, 2023, convicted murderer Danelo Souza Cavalcante managed to escape from Chester County Prison, sparking a massive manhunt. Cavalcante was serving time for the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, in April 2021. He was captured two weeks later on the morning of September 13, but during his time on the run, family members of his victim lived in fear.
Cavalcante’s escape gained international attention when footage of him scaling the prison walls was revealed by NBC News. The escape occurred in the same exercise yard from which another prisoner had escaped just months earlier. Despite efforts to enhance security, Cavalcante successfully made his way to temporary freedom.
According to The New York Times, Cavalcante’s relationship with Deborah began with acts of kindness, but it turned into obsession and hate. Sarah Brandão, the victim’s sister, recounted how Cavalcante’s behavior changed over time, leading to threats and ultimately the tragic murder of Deborah.
The townspeople of Pocopson Township were traumatized by the escape and subsequent manhunt, prompting Chester County to hold multiple town hall meetings to address their concerns and provide support.
Cavalcante’s capture brought relief to the community and closure to the family of Deborah Brandão, but it also shone a light on the dangers of domestic violence and the impact of such tragedies on the loved ones left behind. The story of Cavalcante’s escape and the crime that led him to prison is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of addressing and preventing such atrocities.