By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI | Associated Press
A murderer executed a daring escape from a suburban Philadelphia prison yard by scaling a wall, traversing razor wire, and leaping from a roof. Astonishingly, guards did not detect the breakout for a full hour, resulting in a massive manhunt that has now entered its seventh day.
Authorities have revealed the timeline and intricate details of Danelo Cavalcante’s escape. It is particularly concerning that he used the exact same route that another prisoner had taken back in May. As law enforcement agencies from various jurisdictions flood the search zone, residents become increasingly worried. The international scope of the escape and search has gained attention, with the main newspaper in Rio de Janeiro publishing a lengthy article under the headline “Dangerous hide-and-seek.”
During a news conference, Howard Holland, the acting warden of Chester County Prison, played a security video that showcased the escape. The footage depicted Cavalcante standing in a passageway next to the prison yard before using his hands and feet to climb up the walls, a technique known as “crab-walking.”
Holland stated that after the first escape in May, the prison enlisted the help of a consultant and added razor wire to the area. However, it appears that additional security measures were necessary. Holland acknowledged this in his statement, mentioning that they are now addressing the issue. He also confirmed that the prison was fully staffed during Cavalcante’s escape. The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office has taken over the investigation.
The prison is considering increasing the number of officers present in the yard during recreation times and potentially enclosing the top of the yards with cages. Additionally, two suburban Philadelphia school districts have been closed, and one prominent botanical garden has temporarily shut its doors to aid in the search.
Cavalcante, who had received a life sentence for murdering his ex-girlfriend in front of her children, managed to escape while awaiting transfer to a state prison. Authorities believe he killed her to prevent her from reporting his involvement in a previous killing in Brazil. He was apprehended in Virginia after the murder and is believed to be attempting to return to Brazil.
Despite being spotted six times since his escape, Cavalcante has repeatedly evaded capture. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, keeping their homes and vehicles locked and reporting any missing cars, bikes, or other potential means of transportation Cavalcante might use.
The ongoing manhunt has left residents on edge. Danielle Lawrence, a resident of Pocopson near the prison, expressed her uneasiness, stating that she could no longer stand in her backyard without her husband present. Ryan Drummond, whose home was burglarized by Cavalcante, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the frustration of living in a state of uncertainty for almost a week.
Authorities and residents alike are eager for the search to come to an end. However, Drummond directed his frustration toward the prison, questioning why it has taken so long to apprehend the fugitive.
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Associated Press Correspondent David Biller contributed to this report.
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