Two Pennsylvania School Districts Close as Manhunt for Escaped Convicted Killer Continues
For the second consecutive day, two school districts in Pennsylvania decided to close their doors as law enforcement intensifies its search for a convicted killer who escaped from prison nearly a week ago. The escapee in question is 34-year-old Danelo Souza Cavalcante, originally from Brazil, where he’s also wanted for homicide, and allegedly in the United States illegally.
The Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCF) made the decision to close schools and offices out of an abundance of caution due to their proximity to the ongoing search.
“We have received information regarding the updated search perimeter still within our district borders,” UCF said in a message to families. “In fact, three of our schools are within or border the search area. Additionally, there are numerous road closures in our community that will impact many of our staff and families’ ability to safely get to school.”
KCSD echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the safety of students and staff as their top priority.
“The safety and security of our KCSD community remains our top priority,” the district said.
The most recent credible sighting of Cavalcante occurred on Monday night when he was captured on a trail camera at Longwood Gardens, a renowned botanical garden. In the photo, he was seen carrying a duffel bag, backpack, and hooded sweatshirt.
This sighting prompted officials to adjust the search area further south, believing that Cavalcante had managed to evade the initial perimeter due to the pressure law enforcement had applied.
Major Lt. Cl. George Bivins, with the Pennsylvania State Police, stated, “What I can tell you is I think that what’s occurred is that that pressure that we’ve been putting on him is working. We squeezed him hard enough over a period of a few days, and he was not able to get any relief and managed to find a place to get out.”
Cavalcante had been sentenced to life in prison just last month for killing his ex-girlfriend in front of her children and escaped while awaiting transfer to state prison. The exact details of his escape remain unclear.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions by keeping their homes and vehicles locked, checking on the homes of vacationing neighbors, and being vigilant for missing cars, bicycles, or any other mode of transportation Cavalcante might use to evade capture.