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‘All Hands On Deck’: Federal, Local Law Enforcement Search For Fugitive in Berkeley County Forest

Pictured: Michael C. Burham (CREDIT: Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office)

HUGER, S.C. – Day three in the Lowcountry search for a fugitive wanted by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies continued with hundreds of law enforcement officers descending on the Francis Marion National Forest in Huger.

“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 said. “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.”

A tip from a concerned citizen led deputies to Halfway Creek Road where they encountered Burham. However, he took off on foot, according to deputies. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, he remained on the run.

CREDIT: Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

Hundreds of law enforcement officials are continuing to search a large wooded area. Halfway Creek Road will remain closed to traffic from Steed Creek Road to United Road until further notice, deputies said.

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is currently receiving assistance from numerous Lowcountry agencies as well as state and federal agencies.

Michael Burham: Suspect in New York Homicide

Burham, 34, has active warrants out of New York for rape and is a suspect in a homicide that occurred on May 11. The case received national attention on the television show “On Patrol: Live,” highlighting the manhunt for Burham.

The victim of the homicide is Kala M. Hodgkin, 34, of Jamestown, NY.

“Disaster struck in a small community of Jamestown, NY, as 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin lost her life in a domestic violence altercation. She was a mother of 3, leaving behind her 8, 11 and 14-year-old children,” a GoFundMe page reads for the victim. 

Multiple news outlets report that Hodgkin was found unresponsive at a southside Jamestown home. Specific details of the death remain sealed, according to Erie News Now.

Kidnapping Investigated by NCPD

On Sunday, North Charleston police issued a BOLO for Burham after officers said they met with two victims who told officers they were kidnapped from their house in Pennsylvania and driven to North Charleston by Burham.


SEE ALSO: Manhunt Underway in Huger For Wanted FBI Fugitive Michael Burham: BCSO


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 considered armed and dangerous. The public should not attempt to contact him, police warned. If seen, call 911 immediately.

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