Escaped Convict's Sister Arrested by ICE

Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who managed to escape from a Chester County prison, appears to have sought help from former colleagues, according to authorities. His sister, Eleni Cavalcante, has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), potentially facing deportation due to "immigration issues." It's unclear whether her arrest is related to aiding her brother's evasion of law enforcement.

On Saturday night, Cavalcante eluded a police perimeter surrounding Longwood Gardens botanical park, altered his appearance, and stole a dairy delivery van. He covered over 20 miles, heading to East Pikeland Township and Phoenixville, where he tried to contact two former coworkers.

Around 10 p.m., he visited the home of a former colleague in East Pikeland Township, but the homeowner, who was having dinner with family, didn't respond. Later, upon reviewing his doorbell camera footage, the homeowner called the police.

Shortly after 10 p.m., Cavalcante proceeded to Phoenixville, visiting the home of another former coworker who was also absent.

Surveillance footage captured a clean-shaven Cavalcante wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, a black baseball cap, green prison pants, and white shoes.

The stolen van, a white Ford Transit, was discovered at 10:40 a.m. Sunday in East Nantmeal Township, approximately 15 miles west of Phoenixville. It's believed that Cavalcante abandoned the vehicle, possibly due to low fuel.

Law enforcement continues to search the area, concerned that Cavalcante might attempt to steal another vehicle or already has.

Danelo Cavalcante, originally from Brazil, was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison. He is allegedly in the United States illegally and wanted for homicide in Brazil.

Despite the escape, authorities remain determined to capture him. "We'll get him; it's a matter of time," stated Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens.

Cavalcante's daring escape, which involved scaling walls, navigating razor wire, and running across roofs, was caught on prison surveillance video. The guard assigned to the watchtower during the escape was subsequently fired.

The manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante continues with the collaboration of various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, county, and local levels.