Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities have announced their decision to widen the search area as a response to multiple recent sightings of an escaped prisoner who has been evading capture for the past 12 days.

Danelo Cavalcante, who managed to steal a van and visit the residences of two acquaintances over the weekend, did so beyond the original search boundaries, according to a spokesperson.

Footage obtained from a doorbell camera at one of the homes seems to depict the 34-year-old individual, now clean-shaven and dressed differently than before. The disappearance of this Brazilian national has garnered significant attention in his home country.

During a press conference held on Monday, Deputy US Marshal Robert Clark explained that the manhunt has entered a new phase due to the suspect's successful evasion of the initial search perimeter.

He stated, "Initially, our preparations were geared towards a short-term approach. Now, we are strategizing for the long haul. Cavalcante's ability to navigate the woods has given him an advantage."

Cavalcante had been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole just last month for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, whom he brutally stabbed 38 times in front of her two young children in April 2021.

He managed to escape from Chester County Prison, situated approximately 25 miles (40km) to the west of Philadelphia, on August 31st by employing a method involving "crab walking" between two walls, scaling a fence, and traversing razor wire.

The local community remains on edge, with some schools closed last week, as Cavalcante repeatedly evades capture despite being spotted several times.

Hundreds of police officers, tracker dogs, and aircraft had focused their search in and around Longwood Gardens, a nearly 200-acre botanical park popular with tourists.

But Cavalcante is alleged to have stolen a 2020 Ford Transit van about three-quarters of a mile outside the search perimeter on Saturday evening. Baily's Dairy of Pocopson Meadow Farm confirmed their delivery van was stolen.

At a news conference on Sunday, Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens said the murderer had used the vehicle to travel to the home of a former work colleague in East Pikeland Township.

The ex-associate was not home but spoke to Cavalcante through their Ring doorbell camera.

Two photos from the camera, shared by Upper Providence Township police, capture the fugitive's now clean-shaven face. He had a beard and mustache when he escaped.

The footage also shows him wearing a baseball cap, hooded sweatshirt, green trousers similar to those in a prison uniform, and white sneakers.

The convict later tried to contact another old acquaintance, in the nearby Phoenixville area, according to Mr Bivens.

That person too was not home, and police were alerted to Cavalcante's possible sighting by a female resident.

Law enforcement believes he remains in the area and has likely entered other residences, businesses, or vehicles.

"He is absolutely looking for support," said Mr Bivens. "He needs that support - he doesn't have it."

On Monday, Mr. Bivens said that federal immigration agents had arrested Cavalcante's sister after she refused to assist in the investigation. Agents have initiated deportation proceedings against her, he added.

"She has failed to cooperate so there was no value in law enforcement keeping her here at this point," he said.

On Sunday, police found the van stolen by Cavalcante in East Nantmeal Township, west of his previous known locations.

It had been abandoned in a field behind a barn after apparently running out of gas, and the keys had been left inside, according to Mr Bivens.

The manhunt has now shifted to the proximity of the van's discovery, he said.

"No perimeter is 100% secure, ever," Mr Bivens told reporters. "I'm not going to make an excuse to you. I wish it had not happened."

Police faced issues with the area because it had "tunnels, very large drainage ditches, things that could not be secured", he added.

Community members have been asked to lock their vehicles and homes, monitor surveillance footage, and get familiar with the latest photos of Cavalcante.

Police have been pre-authorized to use deadly force against Cavalcante if he does not surrender.

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