Brian Hagberg
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Multiple law enforcement agencies in South Carolina are currently involved in a manhunt for Jamestown homicide suspect Michael C. Burham.
UPDATE, 5:30 p.m. May 24, 2023: The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Burham has been taken into custody.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m. MAY 23, 2023: A Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office release said, “Currently there are no updates regarding the search for Burham. Hundreds of law enforcement officials are continuing to search a large wooded area. Halfway Creek Road will remained closed to traffic from Steed Creek Road to United Road. Berkeley County is currently receiving assistance from numerous Lowcountry agencies as well as state and federal agencies.”
“We are utilizing every available resource to find this fugitive. We have all hands on deck and we will not stop the search.” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. “We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or 800-CALLFBI. No tip is too small and could be helpful.”
According to an earlier release from the Berkeley County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office, Berkeley County dispatch received a call from “a concerned citizen seeing a suspicious male in the area of Halfway Creek Road.” A search of the area resulted in deputies making contact with a male subject.
“(The subject) gave deputies a false name and then ran from deputies on foot,” according to the release. “Deputies did pursue the subject, but he was able to get away. The subject dropped a bookbag and inside were articles that confirmed Burham’s identity.”
Burham was able to evade capture, though, according to a report from WCBD News, authorities believe he is in a 5 – 10 mile radius of the area where he was seen.
Burham, 34 of Ashville, NY, is wanted by Jamestown Police for rape and arson, and is a suspect in the homicide of Kala Hodgkin. Burham is also facing charges in Pennsylvania after kidnapping a Sheffield couple and forcing them to drive him to the North Charleston, SC area.
Currently, Berkeley County deputies are being assisted by the FBI, SLED, US Marshals, SC PPP, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, SC DNR, North Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, City of Charleston Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department. Burham is being searched for intensively, by ground and air.
If anyone believes they spot Burham, they are asked to contact 911 immediately. DO NOT approach the fugitive, as he is believed to be armed and very dangerous.
