Capturing Convicted Murderer Cavalcante Lands PA Trooper Top Honors

WEST CHESTER, PA —Chester County District Attorney’s office awarded Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” for leading a two-week manhunt resulting in the capture of escaped killer Danilo Cavalcante.

Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison on Aug. 18 after being sentenced four days earlier to life in prison in the April 18, 2021, fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in Schuylkill Township. Cavalcante was captured on Sept. 13.

Ryan commended Bivens for leading an unforgettable manhunt that left Chester County at a standstill for two weeks while hundreds of first responders searched for his whereabouts.

“Our community was front and center on a national and international stage as we faced one of the greatest challenges law enforcement has seen in this county,” Ryan said during the recent 2023 annual awards ceremony in the Chester County Justice Center. “Bivens brought a long-decorated past into his efforts during the manhunt that resulted in Cavalcante’s capture.”

Team Work

The district attorney emphasized that effective teamwork was critical to the success of the manhunt.

Bivens and state troopers worked with Chester County detectives, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit, FBI, Department of Emergency Services, SWAT, sheriff’s department, and other local, state, and federal agencies.

The search involved canvassing rough terrain in exhaustive heat throughout Pocopson Township and northern Chester County. Investigators used K9 search teams, thermal imaging technology, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.

Cavalcante dodged law enforcement hiding in brush along highways. Longwood Gardens, a tourist attraction in Kennett Square, closed for several days after Cavalcante was seen in and around the 1,100-acre botanical garden.

He was captured on Sept. 13 in South Coventry Township in northern Chester County, about 20 miles from the prison.

Cavalcante is in the state Correctional Institution at Greene, Franklin Township, Greene County, awaiting a preliminary hearing on the escape charges.

Other awards

• Assistant District Attorney Zachary Yurick, a child abuse prosecutor, won the "Prosecutor of the Year" for his relentless efforts in keeping the most vulnerable population safe through his skilled and compassionate talent. The district attorney noted that there was an unprecedented number of child abuse cases over the year.

• Lt. Robert Dougherty received the "Chester County Detective of the Year" award. Chester County Chief David Sassa described Dougherty as “detailed, methodical, hardworking, and a consummate team player." With over 45 years in law enforcement, Dougherty has consistently demonstrated his commitment and dedication to a job he sincerely loves,” the district attorney said.
• Elizabeth DiFilippo received the" Administrative Assistant of the Year " award for her tenacity and persistence in helping victims, prosecutors, and detectives.

These enforcement departments received commendations:

• Pennsylvania State Police
• United States Marshals
• United States Customs and Border Patrol Protection
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Chester County Emergency Response Team
• West Chester Emergency Response Team
• Chester County Department of Emergency Services
• Chester County Detectives