Jamestown, N.Y. (WBEN) - The man who escaped from a jail in Pennsylvania, leading to a massive manhunt last year, is now being charged with the murder of a Jamestown woman in May of 2023.
Michael Burham was arraigned on charges Thursday in Chautauqua County Court.
Chautauqua County Judge David Foley ordered Burham to remain in Chautauqua County Jail, pending the outcome of the case. A discovery conference is scheduled for Aug. 23.
Burham is accused of shooting 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin on May 11, 2023 in Jamestown. He also kidnapped a couple in South Carolina before he was captured.
The 35-year-old later escaped from Warren County Jail before being re-captured nine days later.
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"Ms. Hodgkin was gunned down while asleep in her home with her three children and dog," said Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt. "At the time of her murder, she had accused Mr. Burham, her ex-boyfriend and father to one of her children, of forcibly raping her, leading Jamestown Police to charge him with Rape in the First Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree."
Schmidt says within minutes after they were alerted of the shooting, members of the Jamestown Police Department, Chautauqua County Forensics Investigation Team and District Attorney’s Office were on the scene, developing and securing evidence. That eventually led to a massive manhunt for Burham, conducted by multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies which spread across several states. He was eventually taken into custody two weeks later in South Carolina.
"In coordination with Pennsylvania prosecutors, we did not immediately charge Mr. Burham, but instead continued to develop our evidence while he answered other criminal charges asserted across state lines," Schmidt said. "Given the obvious public safety concerns which arise when any violent felony is committed in our community, we are not always afforded the opportunity to hold off on filing charges until forensic analyses are completed. Here we were able to do that through the cooperation of the Warren County District Attorney’s Office led by Robert Greene, the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
"In February, we presented our case to a Chautauqua County Grand Jury, which issued a secret indictment which was not unsealed until after we were able to complete the extradition process, leading to Burham’s return to Chautauqua County Tuesday evening. With his arraignment yesterday, we now look forward to prosecuting our case and ensuring that justice is served under the eyes of the law.
"Returning Mr. Burham to Chautauqua County to answer our indictment is just the first stage of a lengthy legal process which would not have gotten off the ground without the perseverance and dedication of Jamestown police which led the investigation. Given our busy trial schedule and the litigation on this case which lies ahead, I do not expect a trial date before summer next year. We will be ready when that time comes."
"The Jamestown Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support in providing personnel and resources throughout the investigation into the homicide of Kala Hodgkin and the subsequent apprehension of Michael Burham," added Detective Lieutenant Greg Wozneak from Jamestown Police. "We would also like to express our appreciation to the Jamestown community for their active involvement in this case by providing crucial tips and leads. The commitment and dedication demonstrated by all involved have been instrumental in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. The placement of Mr. Burham in Chautauqua County Jail without bail offers a sense of relief to our community and ensures the safety of its residents."
Burham remains held without bail.