Forensic Files

Murder at the Mall: The Michelle Martinko Case | Full Episode

48 Hours

  • Dec 19, 2023
  • 41:01
  • Full Episode

Michelle Martinko fought for her life in a parking lot. Her attacker was left bleeding — creating the evidence that solved the case. “48 Hours” contributor Jamie Yuccas reports. Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.

True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.

Brief Summary

The murder of Michelle Martinko in 1979 is solved decades later through DNA evidence linking Jerry Burns to the crime.

Key points

  • The Murder of Michelle Martinko. In December 1979, 18-year-old Michelle Martinko was brutally murdered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  • A Cold Case Reopened. After years of investigation, DNA technology finally provided a breakthrough in Michelle's case.
  • Genetic Genealogy Leads to Suspects. In 2018, investigators used genetic genealogy to narrow down suspects to three brothers in Iowa.
  • DNA Match Revealed. The DNA results showed Jerry Burns was an exact match, leaving investigators speechless.
  • Arrest Brings Hope. Michelle's sister reacts to the news of Jerry Burns' arrest after decades of waiting.
  • Trial Begins After 40 Years. Jerry Burns goes on trial for the murder of Michelle Martinko, decades after the crime.

Tension

85/ 100High tension

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