BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are new developments in the investigation into the escape of prisoner Michael Burham.
Burham, who is accused of kidnap in Pennsylvania and murder and arson in New York State escaped the Warren County Jail more than a week ago. He was captured on Saturday after a couple and their dog discovered him in their yard.
Warren County District Attorney Robert Greene said he wants to hand the escape investigation over to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office and the Interim State Attorney General Michelle Henry.
2 On Your Side reached to Henry's office in Harrisburg for comment but has not heard back as yet.
Greene says that decision was made after learning of reports that could implicate prison inmates, staff, or other individuals, possibly leading to criminal charges.
"There was info that could possibly implicate inmates at the Warren County Jail and possibly implicate staff members at the Warren County Jail," said Greene, who sits on the prison board and is friends with some of the prison staff.
Greene says if prison staff were found to be negligent that resulted in Burham's escape, they could face criminal charges.
Meanwhile, the couple who first saw Burham after their dog started barking at someone was awarded $2,000 from the local Warren Crime Stoppers. They have also been in touch with the U.S. Marshals Service regarding more reward funds.
Ron and Cindy Ecklund recounted what happened that day.
"The second he stood up, we knew. All of you, the pictures were everywhere. There's no way you could not look at him and know who it was. And at the time we were told he could be armed and dangerous. So it was an exit. We wanted to get out of there as soon as possible," said Cindy Ecklund.
As for Tucker the dog, the Ecklunds say they have treated their dog with a new collar, a bucket of tennis balls, and new toys. "He's always been such a great dog, but for him too, he was protecting us and you can't ask for a better best friend than that," said Cindy.