Share this article:

More Stories

Steindler North Liberty campus facing $10M cost overrun

Penalties proposed for educators who teach ‘divisive concepts’

One dead in Cedar Rapids hotel fire

Indigenous people demand Iowa City schools provide anti-racism training

Home / News / Crime and Courts

The Murder of Michelle Martinko: A video summary of the 1979 Cedar Rapids case and Jerry Burns’ 2020 conviction

Jul. 13, 2021 1:23 pm, Updated: Jun. 28, 2022 3:07 pm

On Dec. 19, 1979, 18-year-old Michelle Martinko was stabbed to death in the parking lot of Westdale Mall. For nearly 40 years, Cedar Rapids police searched for her killer. DNA evidence provided the breakthrough needed to close the case.

Articles related to the case:

◼️ Investigator: Jerry Burns' 'fetish' for violent internet sex shows possible motive for killing Michelle Martinko

Advertisement

◼️ At murder trial, friends recount seeing Michelle Martinko for the last time

◼️ Forensic consultant said DNA transfer could explain how Jerry Burns' DNA was found on Martinko's dress

◼️ Jerry Burns found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Michelle Martinko

◼️ Michelle Martinko’s sister: Decades of heartache before hope

◼️ Meet Matthew Denlinger, the man who was on a mission to solve the Michelle Martinko murder

◼️ Jerry Burns hires ‘Making a Murderer’ lawyer Kathleen Zellner for appeal in Michelle Martinko murder

Crime and Courts Newsletter Signup

Newsletter Signup

Delivered to your inbox

Email

Please wait...

Thank you for joining us.

You will begin to receive our Daily Courts & Public Safety updates. Add newsletters@thegazette.com to your contacts.