Danelo Cavalcante planned carjacking to flee to Canada before capture - latest updates
Fugitive was left with a bloody face after suffering bite from Belgium Malinois dog Yoda as he was captured after almost two weeks on the run on Wednesday
Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante has revealed how he survived almost two weeks on the run from law enforcement in Pennsylvania, following his dramatic capture by a police dog called Yoda.
US Marshall Robert Clark told ABC News that the convicted killer had been very candid after he was captured on Wednesday morning. He told investigators how he evaded capture and survived in the woods by eating watermelon.
“He stated he intended to carjack somebody in the next 24 hours and that he was going to head north to Canada,” Mr Clark said. “He said on multiple occasions law enforcement officers almost stepped on him, [that] we were only five or six feet away.”
Pennsylvania officials said that tactical teams closed in on Cavalcante on Wednesday morning and the inmate began to crawl through heavy underbrush to get away. At that point, Yoda, a four-year-old Belgium Malinois, set out to subdue the escapee, leaving him with a face bloodied from a bite.
Cavalcante had escaped from Chester County Prison on 31 August – days after he was sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao. He is also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil.
Cavalcante could face charges over prison escape
Police said that Danelo Cavalcante could also face charges over his prison escape – as he is sent to prison for life for his girlfriend’s murder.
Law enforcement will meet with the local district attorney to discuss possible charges, said authorities.
Cavalcante bitten by police dog
Danelo Cavalcante was bitten by a police dog during his capture.
Officials confirmed that he suffered a “minor bite wound” after a dog was set to try to stop him from escaping.
Police said it was “not a significant injury”.
Images of his capture show Cavalcante with blood on his face.
Police promise to get new Eagles shirt for whoever Cavalcante stole from
Police have promised to get a new Eagles shirt for whoever Danelo Cavalcante stole it from.
The killer was captured wearing a hooded top featuring the football team brand logo.
He changed outfits multiple times during his escape.
Danelo Cavalcante won’t escape again: police
Police appear to be confident that Cavalcante won’t escape again.
“I can assure you he will not escape while in our custody,” Lt Col Bivens insisted.
Pennsylvania police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase
Pennsylvania state police pose for a group victory photo with Danelo Cavalcante at the forefront, after they caught the escaped killer on Wednesday.
A large group of police officers, all dressed in military camouflage uniforms, gathered around the escaped killer after an exhausting two-week manhunt.
In the video, you can see one military personnel hand his phone over to another officer, before all gathering around for a photo with the fugitive. Some officers posed by crouching on the floor, one kneeling with his gun in hand next to Mr Cavalcante. Another officer made sure his police K-9 was in the shot.
Cavalcante was in cuffs and held by two police officers who got him into position for the photo.
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Police pose with captured Danelo Cavalcante after he led them on two-week chase
WATCH: Moment police pose with escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante after capture
FULL STORY: Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante is captured hiding under logs in shed two weeks after prison escape
A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.
Cavalcante was arrested without incident shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed during a press conference.
“I want to say thank you to the public for their vigilance,” Gov Shapiro said. “This has been a tough and concerning time. We want to thank you for your support to law enforcement and for your support to the efforts that led to this capture.”
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has the story:
Danelo Cavalcante captured nearly two weeks after prison escape
Victim’s family notified in advance about arrest
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said that one of the first calls made following Danelo Cavalcante’s capture was to the family of his victim Deborah Brandao.
Cavalcante murdered his then-girlfriend Brandao in 2021 in front of her two small children. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison this August.
“Our nightmare is finally over and the good guys won,” said DA Ryan.
“We never lost faith that this capture would take place and knew it was just a matter of time.”
WATCH: Police recount the capture of Pennsylvania fugitive Daniel Cavalcante
14-day frantic manhunt for Cavalcante comes to an end
A nearly two-week manhunt for dangerous murder convict Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday as he was captured in Pennsylvania.
Cavalcante was arrested without incident shortly after 8am on Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed during a press conference.
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