Global Courant
An inmate suspected of several crimes, including the murder of a New York woman, escaped from a Pennsylvania prison using sheets tied together, sparking a massive multi-agency manhunt and warnings from officials that he is “very dangerous” is and should not be accessed.
Michael Charles Burham, 34, went missing early Friday morning from the Warren County Jail Recreation Area. He “raised himself” on an exercise machine and exited the yard through a gated metal roof, Cecile Stelter, a Warren County spokesperson, said at a Friday afternoon press conference. He then used sheets that he tied together to climb onto the floor.
Minutes after his escape, staff realized Burham was missing, Stelter said, pointing out that he was under video surveillance while in the recreation area.
“He is considered dangerous because of his past actions,” she said. “And the public is asked not to approach him, but if they see anything unusual to call 911.”
Michael Charles Burham.City of Warren Police via Facebook
Authorities in Warren said Saturday that Burham’s whereabouts are unknown and the search has expanded beyond the city. Stelter said Burham has “survival skills” and is comfortable in wooded areas.
Warren police asked residents to check their security cameras for possible sightings of Burham, who was wearing a prison-issued blue denim jacket, white and orange pants, and orange shoes when he escaped.
The public is asked to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity Facebook. “Burham is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Call 911 immediately if he is seen.”
More than 10 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the manhunt.
Burham was being held in jail, about 11 miles from New York’s southwestern border, in connection with a burglary and arson attack, Stelter said. He is also accused of kidnapping a Warren County couple and is a suspect in the May 11 murder of Kala Hodgkin in Jamestown, New York.
A federal criminal complaint alleges that Hodgkin was fatally shot in her home. At the time of the murder, there was an active warrant accusing Burham of raping the woman, the indictment said.
While police were on their way to Hodgkin’s home, a separate call came in that Burham had allegedly tried to break into an ex-girlfriend’s home and then set her car on fire, the indictment said.
Burham went on the run and led authorities on a multi-state manhunt before being captured May 24 in South Carolina, New York’s Jamestown Police Department said. During the search, Burham is accused of kidnapping a couple at gunpoint at their home in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, according to the indictment. They were found alive in a cemetery in North Charleston, South Carolina. In their vehicle was a note allegedly written by Burham telling his father he was “safe for now” and apologizing “for all the trouble I’ve caused the family,” the indictment said.
