Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – As the search for Michael Burham continues, law enforcement is encouraging the public to check their Ring Cameras as well as trail cams.
At Friday’s 5 p.m. press conference, Public Information Officer Cecile Stetler said that residents in the City of Warren should focus on the time frame of 11:30 p.m. Thursday night to 12:30 a.m. Friday morning.
“At this time, we are asking residents to check their own cameras and doorbell cameras during that time frame and if they see something suspicious, call 716-483-8477 (Jamestown Police Department tip line). Leave a message and someone will return your call. We would also like to extend that to people who have trail cams out in the woods, to check those as well.”
Burham is the primary suspect in the May 11 shooting death of Kala Hodgkin, which occurred at her residence on William St. in Jamestown, and has been charged in the kidnapping of a Sheffield couple in an incident that occurred just over a week later.
Burham has yet to be indicted on charges related to the Jamestown homicide.
Captain Jeff Dougherty of the City of Warren Police was also on hand and reiterated that the top goals were bringing Burham into custody and keeping the public safe.
“At this point, we are trying to gather as much information as we can and use the resources that we can to find Michael Burham,” Dougherty said. “Our No. 1 priority at this point is to make sure the public is safe and to bring Mr. Burham into custody.”
Dougherty said the search includes Warren County, but that there is not a particular search radius.
“We are going to continue the search through the night,” Dougherty said. “There’s no particular search radius, but I can tell you at this time we have actively been searching the local area, along with numerous local, federal and state agencies and we are grateful for that cooperation.”
Dougherty called Burham a “survivalist,” and again urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We are following all leads and appreciate the public’s assistance,” Dougherty said.
Escape charges were filed against Burham with District Judge Raymond Zydonik on Friday afternoon.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, video surveillance footage showed Burham walking in and out of his jail cell in Block B, with other inmates also observed walking around the yard.
“At approximately 11:26 p.m., the defendant (Burham) was observed standing on a pull up machine. The defendant then exited the yard through a metal gated roof. After escaping from the yard, the defendant tied a rope which consisted of multiple sheets tide together. The defendant then tied said rope from the roof and allowed it to hang on to a portico. The defendant slid down the rope, landing on the portico, and jumped from the portico to the ground. He then took off on foot.”
