An inmate suspected of multiple crimes, including the murder of a New York woman, escaped from a Pennsylvania prison using tied sheets, sparking a massive multi-agency manhunt and warnings from officials that it is “very dangerous” and that should not be approached.
Michael Charles Burham, 34, was discovered missing in the recreation area of the Warren County Jail Friday morning. He “hoisted” on exercise equipment and exited the yard through a metal roof, Warren County spokeswoman Cecile Stelter said at a news conference Friday afternoon. Then he used sheets that he tied to get down to the floor.
Staff noticed Burham was missing minutes after his escape, Stelter said, noting that he was under video surveillance while in the recreation area.
“He is considered dangerous because of his past actions,” he said. “And the public is asked not to approach him, but if they see anything unusual call 911.”
Michael Charles Burham.Warren City Police via Facebook
Authorities in Warren said Saturday that Burham’s whereabouts are unknown and that the search has expanded beyond the city. Stelter said Burham has “survival skills” and is comfortable living in wooded areas.
Warren police asked residents to check their security cameras for any possible sightings of Burham, who was wearing a jail-issued blue denim coat, white and orange pants and orange shoes when he escaped.
“The public is asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious,” police posted Facebook. “Burham is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Call 911 immediately if spotted.”
More than 10 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the manhunt.
Burham was being held at the jail, located about 11 miles from New York’s southwest border, in connection with a burglary and arson, according to Stelter. He is also accused of kidnapping a Warren County couple and is a suspect in the May 11 slaying of Kala Hodgkin of Jamestown, New York.
A federal criminal complaint alleges that Hodgkin was found shot to death in her home. At the time of the murder, there was an active warrant for Burham’s arrest accusing him of raping the woman, according to the complaint.
While police were en route to Hodgkin’s home, they received a separate call that Burham had allegedly tried to break into an ex-girlfriend’s home and then proceeded to set her car on fire, the complaint says.
Burham fled, leading authorities on a manhunt in several states before his capture on May 24 in South Carolina, the Jamestown Police Department in New York. said. During the search, Burham is accused of kidnapping a couple at gunpoint from their home in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, according to the complaint. They were found alive in a cemetery in North Charleston, South Carolina. In his vehicle, there was a note allegedly written by Burham telling his father he was “safe for now” and apologizing “for all the trouble I caused the family,” the complaint says.
