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Judge bars internet search evidence from 1979 slaying trial

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February 6th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – A judge won’t let evidence of internet searches be used in the trial of a Manchester man accused of killing a high school girl in Cedar Rapids more than 40 years ago. Jerry Burns is charged with killing 18-year-old Michelle Martinko. Court documents say investigators found under Burns’ username a browsing history that included stories involving assault, rape, strangulation, murder and other violent acts. The Telegraph Herald reports that the judge ruled that the timing of the internet activity — conducted at least 38 years after the slaying — was prejudicial and would harm Burns’ right to a fair trial.