Cedar Rapids police have made an arrest 39 years to the night after an infamous murder took place. In the early morning hours of December 20, 1979 the body of 18 year old Michelle Martinko was found in her family’s car in the parking lot of Westdale Mall. She had been stabbed in the face and chest repeatedly. Now a Manchester man has been arrested and charged with first degree murder. 64 year old Jerry Burns was questioned at his place of employment on Wednesday where he denied any involvement in Martinko’s death, however, police found his DNA at the scene. Burns could not explain why that would be the case and was arrested. He is being held in the Linn County Jail and will make an initial appearance in court today.
