Human remains found in Delaware County

DELAWARE COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) - On November 5th, 2023, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded one mile south of the 1300 block of 180th Street for a report that human remains had been located in a field just west of Manchester by some pheasant hunters.

The remains were removed from the scene and taken to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification. Officials have still not positively identified the remains, but believe that they are those of Brian Burns who was reported missing back on December 23rd, 2013.

Brian Burns was the cousin of Jerry Burns, who was convicted of killing Michelle Martinko. At the time Jerry Burns was arrested in 2018 for the murder of Martinko, TV9 asked the Delaware County Sheriff’s office if Jerry Burns was connected to Brian Burns’ disappearance. At the time, Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere said in a statement “We are reviewing the case and at this time have not uncovered any additional information that would implicate Jerry Burns in that disappearance.”

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding Brian Burns is asked to contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office at 563-927-3135.

This article has been updated to reflect that Brian and Jerry Burns are cousins, and to clarify the time in which the Delaware County Sheriff’s office released its statement.