The western New York murder suspect who kidnapped a couple while on the run and escaped from the Warren County Jail pleaded guilty to kidnapping and escape charges in court Thursday.

Michael Burnham, 35, entered the plea to the following charges, which were filed in Warren County:

  • Kidnapping to facilitate a felony (felony, 1st degree)
  • Recklessly endangering another person (misdemeanor, 2nd degree)
  • Terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another (felony, 3rd degree)
  • Theft by unlawful taking - moveable property (felony, 3rd degree)
  • Burglary - overnight accommodations - person present, bodily injury crime (felony, 1st degree)
  • Escape (felony, 3rd degree)

Jamestown police on May 11 named him as the suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend Kala Hodgin. He has yet to be charged in that case but was wanted on warrants for arson in a vehicle fire and rape.

While on the run, he was accused of kidnapping an elderly Warren County couple who were later dropped off in South Carolina. Burham was later arrested May 24 in that state.

After being taken to Warren County to face the kidnapping charges, Burham escaped from the jail's recreation area July 6. He reportedly escaped through a hole in the roof using bedsheets.

He was arrested July 15 after nearly nine days on the run. The couple who called in the tip said they heard their dog named Tucker barking and found Burham at the back of their yard.