Michael Burham, 34, escaped from a Pennsylvania jail late Thursday night. He was awaiting extradition to New York on murder charges. Burham is accused of killing Kala Hodgkin in Jamestown, New York, and subsequently engaging in a series of crimes across multiple states, including arson and the kidnapping of a Pennsylvania couple. He was apprehended in South Carolina but escaped custody while being held in Warren County, Pennsylvania.
Following Hodgkin's death, Burham allegedly attempted to enter his ex-girlfriend's home and set her car ablaze. He then allegedly abducted a Pennsylvania couple at gunpoint, driving them to South Carolina before their release. A note found in a stolen vehicle during Burham's initial arrest in South Carolina indicated remorse for the impact of his actions on children, but not for his actions themselves. He also mentioned abstaining from alcohol since May 10. Authorities discovered Hodgkin deceased in her residence on May 11. At the time, Burham was already facing rape charges related to her.
The kidnapped couple was located safely in North Charleston, South Carolina, after Pennsylvania authorities issued a missing persons alert. They identified Burham as their captor. Burham was apprehended following a tip from a citizen who reported a suspicious individual. He was being held pending extradition to New York when he escaped. Law enforcement has urged residents to secure their vehicles and remain vigilant.
