CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — Sources inform FOX 29 that convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante is expected to plead guilty on Friday to charges related to his escape from Chester County Prison. Cavalcante faces 20 charges, including escape, theft, and burglary, following his infamous escape.
Cavalcante, a Brazilian national, famously escaped from Chester County Prison early on the morning of August 31, 2023, by crab-walking up the walls.
Danelo Cavalcante's escape triggered a tense, round-the-clock manhunt that lasted two weeks before his capture in South Coventry Township in September.
Cavalcante's attorney, Lonny Fish, has visited and spoken with him several times but declined to provide specifics about their conversations. Fish did not confirm whether Cavalcante will plead guilty at the upcoming hearing but noted that the 35-year-old is aware of the gravity of his situation.
"Had Mr. Cavalcante escaped without committing additional crimes, he would have faced a maximum of three and a half to seven years. However, he faces charges for two burglaries, each carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison," Fish explained.
Ultimately, a guilty plea may not significantly alter Cavalcante's circumstances. Now known as inmate QP8931, he is already serving a life sentence plus two years at a maximum-security state prison in Green County.
Since the escape, Chester County Prison has implemented several security upgrades, including additional surveillance cameras and razor wire on the roof where Cavalcante made his escape.
The full story of Cavalcante's escape and the subsequent manhunt can be seen.