Absurd Press Question Goes Viral After Escaped Killer Captured

The two-week manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante came to an end on Wednesday morning, after the convicted murderer first broke out of a Pennsylvania correctional facility on Aug. 31. His capture was no doubt a relief for many residents who have been on edge, particularly as Cavalcante had been armed with a .22-caliber Ruger rifle he stole from a nearby home earlier this week.

But because Cavalcante was captured in the Philadelphia suburbs wearing, what else, an Eagles hoodie—at the start of football season no less—that relief quickly pretty quickly manifested into jokes and memes. And the irreverent attitude seemed to bleed over into the ensuing news conference, with one question seemingly from a reporter that felt too absurd to be serious.

"Was there any concern he would team up with another small man to step inside of a trench coat, Little Rascals-style?" the person asked Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens at the press conference. Bivens, alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, had just been fielding questions about how Cavalcante will be processed before his return to prison, when the odd question was asked.

"No," Bivens deadpanned in return, without changing his expression.

Question at Calvacante press conference: "Sir, was there any concern he would team up with another small man to step inside a trench coat Little Rascals style?"

Answer: "No." pic.twitter.com/u0W5mSTJXl

— Lis Power (@LisPower1) September 13, 2023

The "reporter" was eventually unmasked as Philadelphia-based comedian and podcaster Mike Rainey, who later quipped that "they were very polite" when asking him to leave. Rainey's question was likely referring to the fact that at just five-feet tall, the disguise might have helped Cavalcante continue to evade police. (Though, we would also accept Vincent Adultman-style via Bojack Horseman.)

Authorities were finally able to apprehend Cavalcante when a plane fitted with a thermal imaging camera picked up his heat signal overnight. Tactical teams were then able to stealthily secure the area without Cavalcante noticing, and then surround him before moving in with search dogs.

"They were able to move in very quietly. They had the element of surprise," Bivens had previously explained during the news conference. "Cavalcante did not realize he was surrounded until that had occurred."

At any rate, it certainly is unlikely that this will be the last of the Cavalcante case, as the public grapples with legitimate questions of how a dangerous killer remained on the loose for as long as he did. Authorities will no doubt be even less enthused to produce those answers.