Ep 10. Murder at the Mall: The Michelle Martinko Case
- November 7, 2020
- 40 min
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(5)
In the 10th episode of the 33rd season of 48 Hours, titled "Murder at the Mall: The Michelle Martinko Case," viewers will be taken on a journey through the brutal murder and investigation of 18-year-old Michelle Martinko.
The episode takes place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in December 1979. Michelle was a talented singer and high school senior who had just finished a choir concert when she made her way to the Westdale Mall to shop for a new winter coat. However, she never returned home. Her parents became worried and filed a missing persons report the next day. Michelle's body was found in the family's Buick parked outside the mall a few hours later. She had been stabbed over 20 times in the face, chest, and hands.
The murder rocked the Cedar Rapids community, with many fearing for their safety and struggling to comprehend who could have committed such a heinous crime. The case went cold for many years until advancements in DNA technology and forensic science enabled law enforcement to reexamine the case. In 2018, authorities arrested an unlikely suspect: Jerry Burns, a 64-year-old retired entrepreneur and elder at his local church.
The episode delves into the complexities of the investigation and trial, exploring Burns' alibi, potential motives, and connections to the crime. It includes interviews with Michelle's family and friends, as well as law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the case. Additionally, viewers will hear from Burns' family and supporters who maintain his innocence, despite overwhelming evidence against him.
Through interviews, footage, and reenactments, "Murder at the Mall: The Michelle Martinko Case" offers a riveting and emotional look into the investigation and trial of a brutal murder that shocked a small town. Ultimately, the episode asks viewers to consider how justice can be served when the accused is a respected member of the community and argues that the lasting impact of violent crimes can never be overstated.
