DNA evidence will be allowed in the trial of the man accused of killing a Cedar Rapids teenager more than 40 years ago.
A judge has ruled prosecutors can use a straw police obtained in Jerry Burns's trial. KCRG TV-9 reports police obtained the DNA from a drinking straw that Burns left behind at a Manchester restaurant. Investigators say the DNA links Burns to the crime scene.
While the straw is allowed, a judge earlier this week ruled that Burns's internet search history for pornography should not be allowed in the trial.
Prosecutors believe Burns stabbed Michelle Martinko to death in December of 1979. Police found her body in her parents' car at Westdale Mall.
Burns's trial is scheduled to begin on Monday morning in Scott County.