Convicted Killer Danilo Cavalcante Pleads Guilty to Escape, Burglary; Sentenced to 15-30 Years

A convicted murderer, Danilo Cavalcante, captured in southeastern Pennsylvania after evading arrest for two weeks, admitted guilt to escape and burglary charges. He received a simultaneous sentencing of 15 to 30 years in addition to his life sentence without parole for murdering his ex-girlfriend. Despite being offered the chance, Cavalcante chose to remain silent in court.

The Escape

At 35 years old, Cavalcante ingeniously broke free from a Chester County detention center while waiting for his transfer to state prison to commence his life sentence for murder. His escape was nothing short of audacious—he managed to navigate between two walls in a jail exercise yard, scale over razor wire, and jump from a roof to gain his freedom.

Crimes Committed While on the Run

After his escape, Cavalcante perpetrated a series of crimes that further shocked the community. He stole a truck from a dairy farm, brazenly taking the vehicle after finding the keys conveniently left inside. His survival during this period involved pilfering food, clothing, and various items from unsuspecting residents, exacerbating the growing fear among residents of Chester County. The tension in the community escalated to the point where a homeowner shot at him after catching the fugitive in their garage, attempting to stop him from stealing a rifle. However, the shots missed their target, allowing Cavalcante to continue evading capture for another two days.

The Final Capture

Ultimately, Cavalcante's evasion came to a halt when searchers employed a plane's thermal imaging and K-9 search dogs to locate him in the early hours of the morning. His capture marked the end of a chapter that had left many residents on edge and in fear for their safety.

Impact on the Community

Cavalcante's escape and subsequent crimes not only led to his recapture but also instilled a sense of terror and uncertainty in the local community. The duration of his evasion heightened anxiety among residents, prompting discussions around public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Cavalcante's Background and Defense

Cavalcante, originally from Brazil, revealed through a Portuguese-language interpreter that his formal education had been limited to the fourth grade. County Judge Allison Bell Royer seized the opportunity to advise Cavalcante on the importance of making the most out of his life, even while incarcerated. Despite his past actions, the judge emphasized that it is never too late to make positive changes and perhaps even serve as a mentor for others within the prison system.

Plea Deal and Legal Proceedings

Cavalcante's lawyer, Lonny Fish, disclosed that Cavalcante swiftly agreed to plead guilty to the charges against him. This plea was made in close proximity to the one-year anniversary of his escape, which had instigated widespread fear across the Philadelphia region. Fish expressed doubt that Cavalcante fully comprehended the magnitude and chaos caused by his escape.