Jerry Burns’ murder trial is moving out of Linn County.
A judge has ruled that the trial can be moved due to pre-trial publicity. It will be held in Scott County on February 10th.
Burns, a 65-year old Manchester resident, was arrested last December for the 1979 fatal stabbing of 18-year old Michelle Martinko of Cedar Rapids. Her body was found inside her family’s car at a Cedar Rapids mall.
He remains in the Linn County Jail on a charge of First Degree Murder.
Burns’ attorney requested the change of venue last month. The State agreed that it would be difficult for Burns to receive a fair and impartial trial with a jury selected from Linn County due to pre-trial publicity.
