New Leads in Martinko Murder Case

By Josh Hinkle, Reporter

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By Josh Hinkle

Story Created: Oct 6, 2006 at 8:36 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 6, 2006 at 9:20 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police hope dozens of new leads and a $10,000 reward will help solve one of Cedar Rapids' oldest unsolved crimes. Just before Christmas in 1979, police found 18-year-old Michelle Martinko stabbed to death outside Westdale Mall.

This week, police announced a new DNA testing technique could soon reveal the identity of Martinko's killer. They believe he cut his hand the night of the girl's murder.

Police found Martinko, face and chest stabbed repeatedly, in her family's car outside Westdale Mall. She had been Christmas shopping.

Lt. Kenneth Washburn says, since the announcement of the cut hand and DNA evidence, leads have been pouring in.

"It's been a high profile case over the years and this would be a good case to solve."

This is just one of 13 unsolved homicides in Cedar Rapids at this time. Martinko's family has matched a previous reward for the identification and arrest of her killer, bringing the total reward to $10,000. Police say, so far, some leads have taken them across the nation and a few have been about men with cuts on their hands. They say, all they need now is to match the DNA found at the crime with one of their leads.

Police urge anyone who remembers any male with a cut on his hand near the time of the 27-year-old murder to call Cedar Rapids Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CR CRIME.

Email Josh Hinkle at Josh.Hinkle@kcrg.com

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