AP photographer Matt Rourke, reporter Maryclaire Dale, law enforcement reporter Claudia Lauer, video journalist Tass Vejpongsa, journalists Mark Scolforo, Marc Levy, Mike Rubinkam, Ron Todt, Bruce Shipkowski and others across Pennsylvania delivered standout coverage of the capture of a fugitive murderer, attacking the story from multiple angles when the news broke last week.
Within an hour of the urgent news breaking that Danilo Cavalcante had been captured, Dale used her source network to put the AP ahead on word that officials used a heat signal to locate Cavalcante in the woods with a helicopter. The alert and story update went out to customers and readers before the news conference to announce the arrest. Lauer contributed important context and Rourke created some unforgettable photos, including several of a handcuffed Cavalcante leaving a state police barracks. That photo has been displayed over front pages all around the world.
The team produced a solid dose of digital-friendly sidebars that were done in close coordination with the digital team.