A South Carolina resident who played a crucial role in the apprehension of fugitive murder and kidnapping suspect Michael Burham during a manhunt has offered advice to others who may find themselves in similar circumstances. After Burham’s escape from jail, law enforcement agencies across multiple states dedicated nine days to recapturing the Army Reserve veteran. Anthony Phillips, along with his girlfriend and their Jack Russell terrier, discovered Burham camping behind their shed in May, almost two weeks after he allegedly killed a woman in New York. A task force involving U.S. Marshals and Border Patrol agents apprehended him after a second manhunt, following his escape from the Warren County jail in Pennsylvania.
During the initial search, authorities urged local residents to remain vigilant and patrol their properties after discovering a stolen car with a note from Burham, where he expressed no remorse for his actions. With a handgun and his dog, Phillips decided to investigate when he noticed something unusual on May 23. His diligence ultimately led to Burham’s initial capture.
Phillips emphasized the importance of reporting anything suspicious: “If you notice something out of the ordinary, you got to report it. If it’s not out of the ordinary, don’t lead them on a wild goose chase.”
Burham had evaded capture since May 11 when New York police found the body of Kala Hodgkin, a 34-year-old mother of three. On May 20, a Pennsylvania couple was reported missing, and they were found alive on May 22. The couple revealed that they had been kidnapped at gunpoint, identifying Burham as the perpetrator. This triggered a massive manhunt in South Carolina.
“We just did what anyone else should do—always check your property, walk around your property, make sure there’s nothing out of place,” Phillips explained. “And if there’s something out of place, make sure you let the authorities know.”
The following day, Phillips and his girlfriend discovered a pair of suspicious shoes near their shed, leading them to stumble upon the fugitive suspect wrapped in a sheet of Tyvek building insulation in their yard.
Phillips, armed but prioritizing his girlfriend’s safety, positioned himself between her and Burham as she returned to the house to call 911. Describing Burham’s demeanor, Phillips stated, “When he stood up, he was very cool, calm, and collected.”
Aware of the ongoing manhunt for a suspect involved in a series of violent crimes in New York and Pennsylvania, Phillips began shouting at Burham. “I was too busy hollering at him and cussing,” he recalled. “You always want to protect your own and protect your family.”
Startled, the fugitive quickly grabbed his shoes and fled, tripping over a tree branch before disappearing into the woods.
Phillips and his girlfriend promptly contacted emergency services, and police arrived within five minutes. Despite Burham’s ability to cover significant ground—he reportedly could run six miles in an hour—police apprehended him after a two-hour pursuit through the brush.
In a recent incident, as authorities searched for signs of Burham over the weekend, a Pennsylvania couple heard their dog barking on their back patio and dialed 911. Cynthia Ecklund told Fox News Digital that she and her husband discovered Burham shirtless, wearing orange prison pants, and next to a creek. They immediately recognized him from news reports.
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According to the police, Burham was recaptured at gunpoint.
