From the Manchester Press from July 15, 2026 come new details in the case of Michelle Marie Martinko.
A trial date has been set for Jerry L. Burns. He was convicted to life in prison for the first-degree murder of Michelle Marie Martinko (18) in 1979.
Burns is seeking postconviction relief claiming ineffective assistance of council.
This trial is scheduled for April 20, 2027 at the Linn County Courthouse.
CASE SUMMARY
Michelle Marie Martinko was found dead Dec 20, 1979. She was repeatedly stabbed in her face and chest.
Police found her body in the family Buick in the parking lot of the Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Police said there was no sign of sexual assault. She had defensive wounds indicating she fought with her attacker.
In Oct 2006, police said they had the suspect’s DNA however, no match was found in the National Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In May 2017, Cedar Rapids Police released a suspect composite sketch based on DNA. On Dec 19, 2018, police announced Jerry Lynn Burns (64) was arrested for first-degree murder. A covert DNA sample was matched to blood found at the crime scene.
Police questioned Burns at work in Manchester, Iowa. He denied killing Martinko. He could not offer an alternative explanation for his DNA at the crime scene. Burns again denied killing Martinko when he appeared by video for his arraignment. The judge ordered a $5 million cash-only bond. The preliminary hearing was Dec 28, 2018.
Trial was Oct 14, 2019 in Linn County District Court. The trial was moved out of Linn County after the prosecution decided not to resist change of venue. On Feb 24, 2020 the jury found Burns guilty of murder in the first degree. Sentencing was scheduled for April 17, 2020.
Due to COVID19, sentencing was pushed back until June 19 and then to Aug 7, 2020. Burns was sentenced (mandatory) to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was ordered to pay victim restitution of $150’000 to the estate of Michelle Marie Martinko or her heirs. The defense is seeking a restitution hearing. They filed an appeal on Sept 29, 2020. The Iowa Supreme Court denied that appeal March 31, 2023. Burns is serving his sentence at Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa, Iowa.