Jamestown police on Friday identified the 34-year-old woman killed this week as Kala M. Hodgkin. An officer appears outside 125 William St. where Hodgkin was found dead. PJ photo by Eric Tichy
A 34-year-old Jamestown woman was identified by police Friday as the homicide victim this week on the city’s South Side.
Kala M. Hodgkin was found inside the home at 125 William St., right next to Baker. Officers had been called to the property around 4:30 a.m. Thursday on a report of an unresponsive woman.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all involved,” the Jamestown Police Department said in a brief statement.
Investigators are still looking for Michael C. Burham, 34, who is considered a potential suspect “armed and dangerous” after a series of emergencies early Thursday that also included two fires. Police confirmed later Friday that Burham is a suspect in the homicide case.
Burham’s Ram truck was located Thursday evening in the city of Warren after police received a credible tip.
“We ask that if you see Michael C. Burham, please call 911 or the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency immediately and do not approach.” JPD said Friday.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, are involved in the ongoing investigation.
“Every time there’s a homicide, and that’s what we’re dealing with here, we’re called to the scene so we can help with law enforcement to develop and preserve evidence. That’s what we’ve done.” Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt said during a news conference Thursday at City Hall. “There have been a number of paths that we have followed on our side. We’ve also reached out to our out-of-state law enforcement partners and received some input from a number of different agencies here in Chautauqua County, outside of the county.”
In addition to Thursday’s homicide, police and firefighters also handled a large fire at Danielson Oil Co. on Crescent Street and a vehicle fire on Fulton Street. All three emergencies occurred within a period of half an hour.
The fire at Danielson Oil Co. later declared accidental; however, the vehicle fire in Fulton was deemed incendiary in nature, meaning a device was used to start the fire. Police did not comment on whether the vehicle fire may be related to the homicide investigation.
Jamestown Public Schools remained on a precautionary lockdown in all of its buildings Friday “out of an abundance of caution.”
In a statement, the district said: “JPS and its school resource officers have remained in communication with JPD regarding their ongoing search for a person of interest. JPD continues to believe there is no immediate threat to the schools.”
There were no disruptions to Warren County Schools.
Anyone with information about Burham is still asked to immediately contact the Jamestown Police Department at 716-483-7537 or the anonymous tip line at 716-483-8477. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.
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