USA: Shield closed due to manhunt for fugitive killer

A prominent botanical garden in the US state of Pennsylvania has been closed following a reported sighting of a murderer who miraculously escaped from prison. Visitors to the more elaborate gardens were asked to conceal their presence.

Police have been searching for days for Danelo Sousa Cavalconte, a 34-year-old Brazilian man who escaped by climbing a wall from the Chester County Jail a week ago. Surveillance camera video showing the fleeing areas was recently released.

He climbed back up the wall

In the video, the convicted killer can be seen using a narrow corridor between two walls. He walked backwards against the wall, supporting himself on one hand and on the other foot. He then escaped by climbing over the barbed wire fence and onto the roof. Officials said an employee in a watch tower did not notice the escape.

Surveillance cameras had already shown the escaped prisoner on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on Monday evening. Some residents reported suspicious movements. Despite this, the hundreds of officers on duty were still unable to capture Cavalcante.

Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison in August. In 2021 he killed his ex-girlfriend in front of her children.