Arrest Warrants Issued, Reward Offered as Search for Jamestown Homicide Suspect Continues

JAMESTOWN, NY – The Jamestown Police Department announced Monday that arrest warrants have been issued for a suspect police have been searching for since May 11.

According to police, the arrest warrants issued Monday (May 15) for Michael C. Burham and are for a vehicle fire on Fulton Street in Jamestown that occurred May 11. Burham had already had arrest warrants issued for rape in the first degree and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree.

“In addition to the previous warrants, Burham is wanted for Arson in the Third Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (two counts), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child,” Jamestown Police said.

The vehicle fire started within 30 minutes of Jamestown Police being called to a homicide at 125 William Street. Burham is a suspect in that homicide. The homicide victim was identified Friday as 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin of Jamestown.

Crime Stoppers of Western New York also announced Monday that it was offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to Burham’s arrest. Crime Stoppers WNY can be reached at 716-867-6161 or online at www.crimestopperswny.org. Burham is listed among Jamestown Police’s 10 Most Wanted for rape, unlawful imprisonment, and arson.

Jamestown and Warren City Police confirmed that the truck Burham was thought to be driving was located in Warren Thursday evening. The search for Burham prompted lockouts at Youngsville Elementary and Youngsville Middle High Schools on Thursday. Both schools were able to resume normal operations on Friday.

Police said Burham should be considered armed and dangerous.

“We are asking that if you see Burham, call 911 or the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency having jurisdiction immediately and do NOT approach or try to apprehend him,” JPD said in a Facebook post.

Anyone with any information regarding Burham is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department immediately at 716-483-7537 or the anonymous tip line at 716-483-8477. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.