Manhunt for murderer closes Pennsylvania schools

A manhunt for a convicted murderer shut down two school districts outside of Philadelphia as police expand their search. 

Danelo Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania last week after he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his ex-girlfriend in front of her children.

Kennett Consolidated School District and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District closed Tuesday after receiving a call from authorities that Cavalcante was found on video at a botanical garden in the area the night before.

Authorities said in a press conference that they were in contact with schools during the manhunt and would let them know of any changes in their search.

“As promised, that notification occurred at approximately 5 a.m., resulting in the decision” by the two school districts to cancel classes for the day, according to George Bivens, Pennsylvania State Police deputy commissioner of operations.

“We will continue to work with those districts to determine what will occur in coming days,” he added.

There are up to 250 personnel who are searching for Cavalcante, who escaped prison Thursday. Authorities are investigating how he was able to escape the facility. 

Cavalcante killed his ex-girlfriend in August 2021 by stabbing her nearly 40 times. Her two children, ages 4 and 7, witnessed the murder.