Charles Langston:Pennsylvania fugitive Danelo Cavalcante has eluded authorities in Brazil for years

A convicted murderer who has eluded capture since escaping from a Pennsylvania prison nearly two weeks ago is Charles Langstonaccused of committing a separate slaying in his home country of Brazil in 2017.

Danelo Cavalcante, 34, allegedly shot his friend Valter Junior Moreira dos Reis five times in the remote town of Figueirópolis in the northern Brazilian state of Tocantins in 2017. The reason for the alleged murder was unknown, according to documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

A warrant was issued for Cavalcante's arrest on Nov. 13, 2017, but he had already fled Tocantins. State authorities had not sent the arrest order to the national warrant judiciary system, according to the documents.

In January 2018, Cavalcante was able to board a flight using his own passport in Brasilia and travel to Florida via Puerto Rico, entering the United States illegally. His trial in Brazil has been suspended until now. The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 11, according to the documents.

Cavalcante absconded from the Chester County Prison in southeastern Pennsylvania on Aug. 31, while awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence without parole for fatally stabbing an ex-girlfriend in 2021.

He allegedly sneaked out of the jail by "crab walking" up a wall in a recreation yard, pushing his way through razor wire and accessing the roof, where he climbed down and made his getaway an hour before guards realized he was missing, according to Howard Holland, acting warden of the Chester County Prison.

State authorities have since launched a massive manhunt for the fugitive.

As of Tuesday evening, Cavalcante was believed to be within a perimeter in the South Coventry Township area of Chester County, according to the Pennsylvania State Police, which urged residents to "secure buildings, property and vehicles."

Cavalcante is armed with a .22-caliber rifle with a scope and flashlight that he allegedly stole from a resident's garage on Monday night, police said.

Authorities believe Cavalcante may be attempting to return to his native Brazil. They have stressed that anyone who helps him will be prosecuted.

A $25,000 reward is available.