Ex-boyfriend charged in death

Woman, 33, fatally stabbed while two children were present

SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP >> A Royersford man has been arrested in the fatal stabbing Sunday of his 33-year-old former girlfriend, during which her 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son were present during the killing.

Arrested was Danelo Cavalcante, 31, for the murder of Deborah Brandao of Schuylkill Township. He is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and related charges.

Authorities said Brandao had an active Protection From Abuse order from Cavalcante that was filed in December 2020. The order was filed after Cavalcante pulled a knife on Brandao in the past, police said.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. “Two children are left without a mother. The pain these children and all of Deborah’s loved ones are enduring as a result of this depravity is horrific. We will ensure that the defendant is brought to justice for this cold-blooded, premeditated, and despicable act. The victim’s family has our deepest sympathy.”

Authorities said Schuylkill Township police were called to the 300 block of Pawling Road in Schuylkill Township for a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they found Brandao on the ground outside with multiple stab wounds to her chest. A neighbor had attempted life-saving measures. The victim was immediately transported to Paoli Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Brandao’s 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son were outside with their mother when Cavalcante arrived. Cavalcante, police said, grabbed Brandao’s hair, yanking her to the ground, and appeared to have pulled two knives from a bag. He threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, and

then got on top of the victim and stabbed her over a dozen times in the chest and upper torso.

During the struggle, the victim told her daughter to get help. The child ran to a neighbor’s house, where the neighbor called 911. Cavalcante fled the scene before police arrived.

After killing her, Cav

alcante fled to Virginia, where Virginia State Police arrested him. He will be extradited back to Chester County.

Schuylkill Township Police Chief James Fetterman said, “My department is committed to keeping everyone in our community safe from violence. This murder was a senseless and tragic loss of life that will now affect two children forever. We are grateful for the assistance of the Chester County Detectives and

the Maryland and Virginia State Police for their expeditious apprehension of the defendant. This was a team effort.”

Dr. Dolly WidemanScott, CEO of the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, said, “Our hearts are heavy as we learned of the senseless death of Deborah Brandao. Domestic violence must STOP! Too many families and communities are mourning those who died at the hands of a loved one. We all must take

a stand to address and end domestic violence by making perpetrators accountable for their behavior and support laws to protect victims and their children.”

Chester County Detectives and Schuylkill Township Police Department are handling the investigation. District Attorney Deb Ryan is the assigned prosecutor.

Police ask anyone with more information on this case to contact Chester County Detective David Nieves at 610-344-4605.

Cavalcante