Man Fatally Stabbed Ex In Front Of Her 2 Kids: Chesco DA

SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP, PA — A Royersford man is charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of his 33-year-old former girlfriend in Schuylkill Township Sunday, in what the District Attorney called a "cold-blooded, premeditated, and despicable act."

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Schuylkill Township Police Department said Danelo Cavalcante, 31, of Royersford, had been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and related charges.

Schuylkill Township police were dispatched to the 300 block of Pawling Road in Schuylkill Township on Sunday for a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, a woman was found on the ground outside with multiple stab wounds to the chest. A neighbor had attempted life-saving measures.

The victim, identified as Deborah Brandao, was immediately transported to Paoli Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, authorities reported. An autopsy showed stab wounds to the heart, lungs, and throat, District Attorney Deb Ryan said in a news conference Monday afternoon.

Investigators later learned that Brandao's two children were outside with their mother when Cavalcante, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, arrived. According to the District Attorney, Cavalcante grabbed the victim’s hair, yanking her to the ground, and appeared to have pulled two knives from a bag. He threatened to kill her, then got on top of Brandao and stabbed her over a dozen times in the chest and upper torso, officials said.

During the struggle, the victim told her daughter to get help. The child ran to a neighbor’s house, where the neighbor called 911, according to authorities. Cavalcante fled the scene and went to Virginia, where Virginia State Police arrested him. He will be extradited back to Chester County.

"This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Two children are left without a mother," District Attorney Deb Ryan said. "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."

Schuylkill Township Police Chief James Fetterman called it a "senseless and tragic loss of life that will now affect two children forever."

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

Chester County Detective David Nieves asks anyone with further information about this case to contact them at 610-344-4605.