Michael C. Burham

A man wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Chautauqua County has been charged with kidnapping in Warren County.

Michael C. Burham, 34, Ashville, NY, was charged by Pennsylvania State Police on Sunday through District Judge Raymond Zydonik’s office.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Saturday.

A family member reported two Sheffield Township residents missing on Saturday evening. Warren-based Pennsylvania State Police received a report Sunday morning that the two had been located at a cemetery in South Carolina, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

The victims told police in South Carolina that they “had been kidnapped at gunpoint” and taken to the bedroom in their residence where Burham then proceeded to take clothing belonging to them before forcing them “to travel to the North Charleston, SC area.”

They reported that Burham “advised them to exit the vehicle in a cemetery and then drove away in their 2022 Honda CRV.”

Troopers conclude that Burham “was staying on the property or nearby and had been watching the residence… for approximately one week.” Evidence including a tarp, camouflage clothing and water bottles not belonging to the victims were “located in close proximity to the residence,” troopers allege.

On its Facebook page late Sunday, North Charleston Police announced there is an increased law enforcement presence in the woods and area behind the Walmart in the municipality at Rivers Avenue to the Hanahan line. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” the post said.

North Charleston officers were dispatched to 7131 Rivers Ave. in reference to the kidnapping. The two victims told officers they were kidnapped from their house in Pennsylvania and driven to area by Michael C. Burham. The post stated Burham was last seen wearing a dark baseball cap, blue jeans and light t-shirt. In addition, he may no longer have facial hair and changed his hairstyle.

Over the weekend, a television show’s spotlight led to more tips as Jamestown police continued their search for Burham, the person of interest in the murder of Kala Hodgkin at 125 William St., Jamestown.

The search for Burham was featured Friday on “On Patrol: Live” and the segment about the case is available on the Jamestown Police Department’s Facebook page.

At that time, investigators were looking to speak with the person(s) who transported Burham out of the area from Warren County. It is possible those aiding Burham, 34, were unaware of the circumstance at the time of the transport and did not realize they were aiding a wanted, dangerous fugitive. Investigators are asking for those people to contact the Jamestown Police Department so investigators can speak with them about the situation and their knowledge of Burham’s whereabouts.

Investigators are also asking anyone who may know who assisted Burham to contact them so the department can work to bring those responsible to justice for aiding and abetting a wanted fugitive. Investigators from multiple area departments have interviewed friends and family here locally and do not believe Burham’s immediate family is assisting Burham in any way, police said in their news release.

“We are looking for the people that picked Burham up and drove him out of state to contact us directly,” Jamestown Police Capt. Robert Samuelson told The Post-Journal on Saturday. “Due to the belief that he is armed and dangerous we need this to be as soon as possible so that we can arrange his safe custody wherever he is.”

Based on the investigation and viewing video from Jamestown and Warren, Jamestown Police Department investigators said in a news release Saturday that Burham used a rental vehicle from a Warren business, which he allegedly drove to the area of the homicide. Police say Burham then drove the rental to the area of the arson on Fulton Street and returned to Warren the morning after the homicide. Jamestown police are in possession of that rental vehicle. Police also report Burham walked away from the rental agency and checked out of a hotel in Warren. Based on the information police have received, it is believed Burham was then picked up and driven out of the area by at least one person.

“Due to the national attention that this case is now receiving, we are receiving multiple tips from across the country regarding Burham’s whereabouts,” Jamestown police said in a news release.

Burham is still believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Michael C. Burham or who may have assisted him in absconding is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department at 716-483-7537 or via the anonymous TIPS line at 716-483-8477. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.