Human remains found in Delaware Co. are those of man missing since 2013

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the human remains that were found in rural Delaware County back in November have been confirmed to be of a man who had been missing since 2013.

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 believed at that time they were those of Brian Burns who was reported missing back on December 23rd, 2013. Now, Officials have confirmed that they are those of Burns.

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. Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere said in a statement back in 2018, “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.