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Closing arguments expected in Iowa cold case murder trial

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February 24th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DAVENPORT, Iowa (The Gazette) — Closing arguments are expected Monday in the trial of a man accused of killing an Iowa high school student more than 40 years ago. Testimony has concluded in the trial of Jerry Burns. He’s accused of fatally stabbing 18-year-old Michelle Martinko on Dec. 19, 1979, in Cedar Rapids. His defense called only one witness. A forensic consultant testified that he didn’t know whether the DNA that prosecutors say came from the killer came from blood or from another bodily fluid. A rebuttal witness called by prosecutors said the only biological fluid screened was blood from Martinko’s dress.