Jamestown, N.Y. – Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt addressed the recent sentencing of Michael C. Burham, previously identified as a suspect in the May 2023 shooting death of Kala Hodgkin, a Jamestown woman. Burham was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in Pennsylvania state prison on kidnapping and escape charges related to the Jamestown homicide. Schmidt reassured the victim’s family and the community that the prosecution of Burham in Pennsylvania would not impact the ongoing investigation in Jamestown.
Schmidt emphasized the importance of pursuing justice for Hodgkin and expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation, which he mentioned has been substantially complete for months. However, his office is currently awaiting forensic testing results by the FBI in Virginia. Despite the delay, Schmidt pointed out that the absence of a statute of limitations on homicides allows for a thorough and precise approach in the case.
The sentencing in Pennsylvania followed Burham’s guilty plea to kidnapping, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, theft, and burglary charges. Additionally, Burham faced escape charges after breaking out of the Warren County Jail, sparking a 10-day manhunt. Judge Gregory Hammond, who presided over the sentencing, condemned Burham’s actions and alluded to his admission of murdering his ex-girlfriend during a victim impact statement in the kidnapping case.
Jamestown police discovered Hodgkin’s unresponsive body in her home in May 2023. The subsequent manhunt led to Burham’s capture in South Carolina after kidnapping two individuals in Warren. Schmidt informed that any potential sentence for Burham in Chautauqua County concerning Hodgkin’s death would be added to his existing Pennsylvania sentence.
Burham’s case underscores the long and complex process of seeking justice for victims of violent crimes. Authorities continue to prioritize the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation in Jamestown, ensuring that the pursuit of justice for Hodgkin remains a top priority.