Judge rules escape charge against convicted murderer Cavalcante can proceed to trial
A district judge in Pennsylvania says prosecutors have sufficient grounds to continue to press escape and other charges against a convicted murderer captured last year after two weeks on the run
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A district judge said Friday that Pennsylvania prosecutors have sufficient grounds to continue to press escape and other charges against a convicted murderer captured last year after two weeks on the run.
The judge found there is enough evidence to forward to county court for trial all of the charges against Danilo Cavalcante, including burglary, trespassing and car theft.
Cavalcante's escape from the Chester County Prison on Aug. 31, captured on video, involved scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire and jumping from a roof. Authorities said that during the extensive manhunt for him, Cavalcante stole a transit van. He's also accused of burglarizing homes in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania, stealing a rifle, ammunition, clothing, a sleeping bag and other items.
A message seeking comment was left with the Chester County public defender's office, listed on the court docket as representing Cavalcante.
Cavalcante, 34, did not testify Friday. He is a native of Brazil and prosecutors have said he killed ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao to stop her from telling police about charges against him there in connection with a 2017 slaying.
Cavalcante had been sentenced to life for killing Brandao in front of her children in 2021 when he escaped from custody while awaiting transfer to a state prison.
He was captured when a plane's thermal imaging camera detected his heat signal. Teams on the ground secured the area, surrounded him and moved in with search dogs.
The Chester County jail is roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Philadelphia.