Defrosting Cold Cases

Research website by Alice de Sturler

Guilty verdict in Martinko Trial

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Today were the closing arguments for the prosecution and the defense in the 1979 murder case of Michelle Marie Martinko. The order was as follows: First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks gave his closing arguments. The defense attorney Leon Spies, gave his for his client Jerry Burns. After that, the state got the change […]

Michelle Martinko Trial Feb 20, 2020

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The defense rests in the Michelle Martinko murder trial. I was stunned but here it is: “After just one witness, attorneys defending a man accused of killing a Cedar Rapids teen more than 40 years ago have finished presenting evidence. Burns said he will not testify during the trial.” The defense started and finished within […]

Yours, Jean by Lee Martin

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Yours, Jean by Lee Martin is a book that was inspired by the murder of Mildred Georgine Lyon (Oct 5, 1928 – Sept 3, 1952) in Illinois. The young librarian and English teacher was 23 years old when she was murdered at 1130am inside the school where she worked. The Book Yours, Jean tells us […]

Michelle Martinko Trial: update through Feb 19, 2020

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Michelle Martinko trial updates Feb 18 – 19, 2020: Feb 18: Two points to take away: 1: DNA We learn that a senior DNA lab analyst at Bode Technology examined the following pieces of  evidence: blood taken from the gear shift from the Martinko Family car and the mouth swab taken from Burns. Her goal […]

Susan Jessica Morey: an update

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My readers are the best. I keep saying that because it is true. On of my readers, Jason D., contacted the Morey Family and they in turn contacted me. We have exchanged some emails and the results so far are below. More information will be posted as it becomes available. What did I learn about […]

Michelle Martinko Trial: Update through Feb 17, 2020

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Four points of interest in the Michelle Martinko trial: 1: Male DNA profile found at the crime scene led police to believe the suspect cut himself during the attack. Authorities composed lists of suspects to contact for cheek (buccal) swaps. These men included ex-boyfriends. From the entire list (not sure of the total number of […]

Anne L. Barber Dunlap: New Information

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There are a few new details made public in the 1995 murder case of Anne L. Barber Dunlap. I came across an article by KARE11. It is a fascinating read and I encourage you to read it. As they are the one who uncovered all this information, I am only going to point out a […]

Martinko murder trial update Feb 13, 2020

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A brief overview in the Michelle Martinko murder trial update Feb 13, 2020 with information taken from various newspapers. Jury selection: nine women and six men were selected from a pool of over 100 potential jurors. Three will serve as alternates. The State: represented by the following prosecutors: First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks […]