'I just want him to be caught': Ex-roommate helps police search for escaped convict in Chester Co.

"I just want him to be caught so I can sleep, I can live my normal life," said Franco, the escapee's former roommate.

Monday, September 11, 2023
'I just want him to be caught': Ex-roommate opens up about living with escaped murder convict
'I just want him to be caught': Ex-roommate opens up about living with escaped murder convict

CHESTER COUNTY, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- As the search continues for escaped murder convict Danelo Cavalcante in Chester County, Pennsylvania, some of the escapee's former associates are stepping up to try and find him.

Cavalcante, a 34-year-old from Brazil, escaped from the Chester County Prison on Aug. 31 by scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire, and jumping from a roof.

While the initial search was focused on Pocopson Township, near Longwood Gardens, police are now searching for the escapee in northern Chester County, near Phoenixville.

The convict was spotted overnight in the area after police say he stole a van and drove to the homes of former coworkers to ask for help.

READ | Residents on edge after escaped murder convict changes appearance, travels north in Chester County

Residents on edge after escaped murder convict changes appearance, travels north in Chester County

Action News spoke with Cavalcante's former roommate, Franco, who wants to help police find him and bring him to justice.

"I had no idea he could do something like this. He was someone super shy, really quiet, drinks his beers on the weekend, makes barbeque, and works a lot," said Franco.

The two lived together in King of Prussia for just about four months.

Cavalcante moved out just one day before he stabbed his ex-girlfriend. Franco provided a video of Cavalcante moving out that day.

Franco says he provided information to police about that murder.

"Now I have anxiety because of this, and I was anxious again this week. I told my friends I haven't been sleeping well," said Franco.

Now, he wants to do all he can to help police once again.

"I was talking to police for about an hour," the former roommate said. "I'm here to see if they need my help to speak Portuguese with him so he can surrender."

Other residents in East Nantmeal Township also came out to help police in their search.

"We're out looking for the fugitive," said Tammy Korczynski from Royersford.

"I just want him to be caught so I can sleep, I can live my normal life. Everybody can feel safe again. He has to pay for what he did," added Franco.

There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Cavalcante.

If you have any information, call 911.

SEE ALSO | New images show escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante has changed appearance and fled search area

New images show escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante has changed appearance and fled search area