Reward for Pennsylvania escaped illegal alien murderer raised to $25,000

On Monday, police raised the reward for information leading to escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante to $25,000 as the search for him approaches two weeks.

Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said in a news conference Monday afternoon that "we don’t have a defined search area at this point," with a spotting over the weekend forcing a "change in direction" for investigators.

"We’re considering and certainly acting on and investigating any piece of information or tip that we receive,” Bivens said.

On Saturday evening, Cavalcante was spotted driving a stolen van over 25 miles north of Chester County Prison, where he escaped on August 31 by scaling the walls.

The van that Cavalcante had been driving before reportedly abandoning it was a 2020 White Ford Transit bearing PA registration ZST8818. The vehicle, which had a refrigeration unit on the top, was reported stolen by Baily’s Dairy, according to police.

Police believe he abandoned the van in East Nantmeal after running out of gas.

Bivens said during the press conference that a Ring doorbell camera captured Cavalcante speaking with an acquaintance over the smart doorbell, sporting a clean-shaven look.

Cavalcante then tried to contact another acquaintance in the nearby Phoenixville area.

"He is absolutely looking for support," Bivens said. "He needs that support. He doesn’t have it."

Cavalcante escaped just days after being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao.

Chester County police said on Sunday that the sister of Cavalcante was taken into custody by ICE, and is facing deportation.

According to CBS News, authorities leading the search say there's no indication that he has left Pennsylvania, but are prepared for a national search.