Michael Burham, a murder suspect who fled a northern Pennsylvania jail in July, was sentenced to 25–50 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping a Pennsylvania couple. Judge Gregory Hammond called Burham a “grave threat to the public” and noted the enduring effect on the 89- and 68-year-old kidnapped victims.
Great Escape Gone Wrong: Murder Suspect Gets Life for Pennsylvania Jail Break, Kidnapping Elderly Couple (Photo: Google)
Community Impact and Maximum Sentences: Judge Hammond’s Verdict
Hammond acknowledged that the escape had a detrimental influence on the community and affected their lifestyle.
Burham got the maximum 10- to 20-year sentences for abduction and burglary and 3 1/2 to 7 years for escape. Some penalties for reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, and stealing were consecutive. Even though Burham had a clean record and military service, Hammond emphasized the victims’ pain and the seriousness of his conduct.
Burham apologized to victims, Warren residents, and jail staff, and his counsel stressed his repentance and knowledge of the repercussions.
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Burham’s Elusive Run from Justice
Burham escaped by climbing exercise equipment to a grated metal ceiling and slipping down a bedsheet rope. Burham, a self-taught survivalist with military training, avoided police for nine days until a couple answering their barking dog found him.
Burham was accused of kidnapping and taking the Pennsylvania couple to South Carolina to avoid a New York murder probe. He was the main suspect in the May 11 homicide of Kala Hodgkin and a linked fire in Jamestown, New York, but authorities let Pennsylvania prosecute while they investigated.
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