New Evidence in Decades Old Murder Case

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Dave Franzman

Story Created: Oct 2, 2006 at 5:05 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2006 at 7:43 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS-Could new D-N-A evidence finally crack one of Cedar Rapids' most famous unsolved murder cases?

That was a question raised Monday at a Cedar Rapids Police news conference.

Michelle Martinko, 18, was stabbed to death at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids on December 19, 1979. She was found in the family car outside the mall. Police revealed that she was stabbed repeatedly in the face and chest.

Monday, police revealed for the first time that her killer cut his hand during the murder. And police say new lab tests have given them a full D-N-A profile.

The information came from a special "cold case" unit at Cedar Rapids police formed in December of 2005. Investigators say they've compiled a list of about 80 potential suspects over the years. Now that they know the killer suffered a cut hand they hope the information jogs someone's memory. They want any tips about anyone with an unexplained hand cut in December of 1979.

About 75 percent of the people on that potential suspect list have voluntarily given D-N-A samples. A tip could help police match someone to the crime with this new lab evidence.

The Cedar Rapids "Crimestoppers" board has authorized a $5,000 reward for any new information. That amount is at least five times the largest amount ever offered by the local crime prevention group.

Information about the Martinko case, in light of this new evidence, can be directed to 1-800 CR CRIME.

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