BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — More than a year after escaping jail, and months after being sentenced in a separate kidnapping case, Michael Burham has been moved to the Chautauqua County Jail and indicted on new murder and arson charges.
Burham is accused of killing 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin last year in Jamestown. At the time of the deadly shooting, there was an active arrest warrant out for Burham who had been accused of raping Hodgkin.
"It's about time. It's fantastic to hear. We waited a long time — long time for this," declared Theresa Shaw.
For more than a year, the family of Hodgkin has waited for her ex-boyfriend Burham to be indicted for her murder. Her aunt, Theresa Shaw of Wellsville, talked about the new developments on Thursday.
"Do you feel now there is justice for Kala," Buckley asked.
"Yes, finally, yes," responded Shaw.
"Do you hope he never sees the light of day," Buckley asked.
"Oh, you're damn right," she replied.
After the shooting, Burham kidnapped a couple in Pennsylvania and a massive manhunt began. He was later arrested in South Carolina.
WATCH: Video shows Michael Burham being captured after escaping jail.
In January 2024, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General announced that Burham was sentenced in connection to the kidnapping and jail escape. He was ordered to serve an aggregate sentence of 25 years and 2 months to 50 years and 4 months.
Shaw reflected on how that manhunt caused so much concern and intensity for the family.
"We didn't know what to think. If he was going to come after the family or her kids — so everybody was a little scared and on edge," Shaw said.
Shaw and her family learned that 35-year-old Burham appeared in court Wednesday and has been indicted on first- and second-degree murder and arson charges. He is now being held in the Chautauqua County jail.
In a news release, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt wrote:
"The placement of Mr. Burham in Chautauqua County jail without bail offers a sense of relief to our community and ensures the safety of its residents."
"And I'm so happy, I'm so happy to hear the news," Shaw reflected. "But it helps knowing that they got him, and he is where he belongs and he's never going to get out."
Shaw said Hodgkin's mom is still feeling "very distraught."
"She's really tore up. Something you'll never get over. It's something you'll never get over. It's having to bury your child," she said.
Shaw told 7 News that her niece was a wonderful woman, who loved her kids.
"The prettiest, sweetest thing and she would do anything for anybody, and she was a wonderful mom. She was a special woman, very special woman," she added.
