The festive spirit of December 1979 was shattered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Westdale Mall, a hub of holiday cheer, became the scene of a chilling crime. 18-year-old Michelle Martinko was found lifeless in her family’s car, her life brutally cut short. The community was left reeling, desperate for answers in a case that would remain unsolved for decades.
A Community Haunted by a Brutal Crime
Michelle Martinko, a vibrant young woman, went Christmas shopping at Westdale Mall, never to return. Her body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was discovered in her car in the mall parking lot. The violence of the act sent shockwaves through the community. “They were not used to having crimes that occurred with this level of violence,” shared a local law enforcement officer, reflecting on the impact of the crime on the then-peaceful town.
The investigation, despite its best efforts, hit dead end after dead end. Years turned into decades, leaving Michelle’s family and friends grappling with the agonizing pain of unanswered questions.
A Glimmer of Hope: DNA Technology Reopens the Case
In 2006, a cold case investigator, determined to bring justice for Michelle, reopened the case. A blood sample, previously collected, offered a glimmer of hope. This time, armed with the power of DNA technology and the CODIS system, the national DNA database, the investigator submitted the sample.
While the initial search yielded no matches, the case was far from over. A breakthrough came with the advent of DNA phenotyping, a revolutionary technique that allowed investigators to create a physical profile of the suspect based on their genetic makeup. This technology provided a much-needed lead, bringing investigator Matt Denlinger one step closer to uncovering the truth.
GEDMatch: A Game Changer in the World of Criminal Justice
Matt Denlinger, in his pursuit of justice, turned to GEDMatch, a public genealogy database. This platform, where individuals voluntarily submit their DNA profiles, held the key to cracking the Martinko case wide open.
By meticulously tracing distant relatives and their shared ancestry, investigators found a match. The DNA from the crime scene linked to a second cousin of Jerry Lynn Burns. This discovery, a testament to the power of genetic genealogy, finally gave a name and a face to the person who had haunted Michelle’s case for 39 years.
Confronting the Suspect: A Chilling Encounter
With a name and a face, investigators set a plan in motion. They approached Jerry Lynn Burns at his workplace, catching him off guard. “Our plan all along was to catch him off guard,” stated Denlinger, highlighting the tactical approach to the confrontation.
During the interview, Burns acknowledged his awareness of the Martinko case. When presented with the composite image generated from the DNA phenotyping, Burns displayed a curious reaction, repeatedly referring to the images and questioning their accuracy.
The investigators, armed with a search warrant, obtained a DNA sample from Burns. Despite the mounting evidence, Burns remained composed, almost nonchalant. His lack of strong denials raised red flags for the experienced investigators.
The interview took an unexpected turn when Denlinger directly confronted Burns, revealing that they had already matched his DNA to the crime scene. Burns, rather than offering a vehement denial, responded with, “Test the DNA.” His reaction, or lack thereof, only solidified the investigators’ suspicions.
The Verdict: Justice Delayed, But Not Denied
Jerry Lynn Burns was charged with first-degree murder. The trial, which commenced in February 2020, captivated the nation. The prosecution presented compelling DNA evidence, linking Burns to the crime. The defense, however, argued that the presence of Burns’ DNA did not definitively prove he was the killer.
The jury’s decision, reached after careful deliberation, brought a wave of relief and closure to Michelle’s family and the community. Jerry Lynn Burns was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Michelle Martinko.
A Legacy of Hope and the Power of Perseverance
The Martinko case stands as a chilling reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime and the importance of relentless pursuit of justice. Michelle’s story also highlights the transformative power of DNA technology and the potential of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.
While nothing can erase the pain of Michelle’s loss, her legacy lives on, inspiring hope for resolution in other unsolved cases. The tireless efforts of investigators, the advancements in forensic science, and the courage of Michelle’s family serve as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, truth, and justice can prevail.