Community Rallies To Support Young Children Of Slain Chesco Woman

This story was updated at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP, PA — The community has stepped up to support the young family of a woman who police say was fatally stabbed in front of her children over the weekend.

The 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son of Deborah Brandao, who died Sunday in what authorities said was a domestic violence incident, are living with an aunt, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support them.

Authorities say their mother was fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend in Schuylkill Township.

Danelo Cavalcante, 31, of Royersford, has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault and related charges, the Chester County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday.

"It's with a saddened heart that I'm creating this GoFundMe account," said Marina Baron of Phoenixville. "I've decided to create this account with the purpose of helping one of my family member's children who lost their loving mother. Their mother, Deborah was brutally murdered in front of her children by her ex-boyfriend. She did not deserve to leave this world the way she did, let alone in front of (her) own children."

"Deborah left two beautiful children ... who are now under the care of their only aunt. If you are able to help, it would be appreciated," Baron's GoFundMe statement read.

Schuylkill Township police arrived at a home in the 300 block of Pawling Road in Schuylkill Township for a report of a domestic disturbance. The District Attorney said police found Brandao on the ground outside. She suffered stab wounds to the chest, including the heart and lungs, the coroner later determined.

A neighbor had attempted life-saving measures. Brandao was taken to Paoli Hospital and there was pronounced dead, authorities said yesterday.

Brandao's two children were outside with their mother when Cavalcante showed up with two knives, police said. The children witnessed the assault and stabbing of their mother and they ran to a neighbor's house for help, according to the District Attorney's report.

The GoFundMe site sponsor explained her hope is to help support the children with long-term care.

"This fund is more their future care, such as counseling, long-term education, and support with basic needs. Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, 'This is a heartbreaking tragedy. 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,'" Baron said on the GoFundMe site.

As of early Tuesday morning, the site had collected $7,365 in its firsts 14 hours from donors. The goal is $10,000. By 4 p.m. Tuesday, 215 donors had contributed $14,816 to the children.

The site, sponsored by a family member, has posted a photo of Deborah Brandao. To donate, go here.

As condolences poured out on social media, one woman shared in comments on the Chester County District Attorney's Facebook page, "The Brazilian community is getting together to help the family financially to send her back to Brazil to be buried there, it’s very expensive." Another posted a photo to connect to Venmo. Patch will share information on this as it comes available.

Read Monday's report on the death and the related charges here.