Pennsylvania prisoner who escaped prison, evaded officers for 13 days pleads guilty

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania prisoner who escaped the Chester County Prison in 2023 is now pleading guilty to charges stemming from his 13-day run from officers.

Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced that Danelo Cavalcante, 35, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of burglary, persons not to possess a firearm, and escape. He was already serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend prior to his escape.

Cavalcante was sentenced to an additional 15-30 years in a State Correctional Institution, to be served consecutive to his existing life sentence.

On Aug. 31, 2023, Cavalcante escaped custody from Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township, PA, by scaling a wall and maneuvering past a razor-wire fence. His escape initiated a 13-day search during which he committed several crimes, including two residential burglaries where the homeowners were present, theft of an automobile, theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a person not eligible to carry.

“This defendant was already serving a life sentence when he escaped and put an entire community on edge as he continued to commit more crimes while on the run,” Attorney General Henry said. “I commend the immense effort of the hundreds of troopers, officers, and agents who worked tirelessly to bring him into custody.”

Previous Coverage on Cavalcante:

Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante is captured in Pa. with the help of dogs and a heat-sensing plane

Captured Pennsylvania fugitive tells officials he planned to head to Canada or Puerto Rico

Prison guard warned that Danelo Cavalcante planned escape a month before he fled, emails show

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The search for Cavalcante came to an end when officers apprehended him in a heavily wooded area in Chester County.

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