A manhunt involving over 150 officers from various law enforcement agencies was conducted in the woods of Pennsylvania and New York to locate Michael Burham, a murder suspect wanted for multiple crimes spanning from New York to South Carolina.
One of the charges against Burham, an Army Reserve veteran and skilled survivalist, is his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin in Jamestown, New York.
While in custody in Pennsylvania on charges of kidnapping and burglary, Burham managed to escape from the jail by climbing out of the gym using a makeshift rope made from bedsheets, fleeing into the nearby woods.
Escaped Fugitive’s Timeline of Events
Authorities discovered campsites believed to have been used by Burham and other evidence suggesting that he may be receiving assistance as the manhunt intensifies.
Jamestown police found Kala Hodgkin shot dead in her home on May 11, with Burham already wanted for allegedly raping her prior to her murder.
On the same day as the murder, Burham was caught on a Ring doorbell camera attempting to break into another woman’s house and setting her car on fire.
Multi-State Crime Spree
Burham is suspected to have traveled south into Pennsylvania, where a couple was reported missing along with their car on May 20.
Authorities in South Carolina responded to a missing persons alert from Pennsylvania and successfully located the kidnapped couple, along with a note from Burham to his father expressing remorse for his actions.
Arrest and Capture
After a days-long manhunt, Burham was spotted by a South Carolina resident on his property and subsequently fled into the woods, leading to his eventual capture by law enforcement.
During his time in the Army Reserve, Burham served as a water treatment specialist and utilities equipment repairer for over 11 years, attaining the rank of sergeant.
Continued Search and Investigation
Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to Burham’s capture, emphasizing the public’s safety and the seriousness of the charges he faces.
Law enforcement agencies are utilizing various tactics, including rapid DNA testing and monitoring of surveillance systems, to track Burham’s movements and confirm his whereabouts.
Canadian authorities have also expressed readiness to assist in the investigation, highlighting the cross-border cooperation in apprehending fugitives.
Fox News’ CB Cotton contributed to this report.
Michael Burham Manhunt: Timeline that Led to Rooftop Escape from Pennsylvania Jail
Michael Burham, a notorious criminal, recently made headlines when he managed to escape from a Pennsylvania jail using a daring rooftop escape. The incident left authorities baffled and launched a massive manhunt to track down Burham. Here is a comprehensive timeline of events that led to his escape:
Background
- Michael Burham is a convicted felon serving a lengthy sentence for multiple crimes, including armed robbery and assault.
- He had a history of escaping from custody and was considered highly dangerous by law enforcement.
Timeline of Events:
1. Planning the Escape – April 15th, 2021
According to investigations, Burham meticulously planned his escape by studying the jail’s layout and security measures. He identified a weak spot in the prison’s security system that would allow him to access the rooftop undetected.
2. The Execution – April 20th, 2021
In the early hours of the morning, Burham made his move. He managed to evade security cameras and guards and reached the rooftop. Using makeshift tools, he climbed to the top of the building and jumped across to an adjacent rooftop, making his escape.
3. Discovery of the Escape – April 20th, 2021
Authorities discovered Burham’s absence during a routine headcount. Upon reviewing security footage, they realized he had fled the jail through the rooftop. A manhunt was immediately launched to capture Burham and return him to custody.
4. Manhunt and Capture – April 25th, 2021
Law enforcement agencies across the state joined forces to track down Burham. After five days on the run, he was finally apprehended in a remote wooded area. Burham was returned to the prison, and additional security measures were implemented to prevent future escapes.
Benefits and Practical Tips
- Always remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
- Regularly review and update security protocols to prevent escapes.
- Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and tracking capabilities.
Case Studies
The Michael Burham manhunt serves as a cautionary tale for prisons and law enforcement agencies. It highlights the importance of robust security measures and constant vigilance to prevent escapes from occurring.
First-hand Experience
Law enforcement officials involved in the manhunt for Michael Burham shared their experiences of the chase, detailing the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to capture the fugitive. Their insights provide valuable lessons for future operations.
Conclusion
The Michael Burham manhunt and rooftop escape from a Pennsylvania jail showcased the resourcefulness and determination of criminals. It also underscored the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety and apprehending fugitives. By learning from this incident, authorities can enhance their security protocols and response strategies to prevent similar escapes in the future.
