**"Until I Kill You": Cast & Victim's Story**

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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"Until I Kill You": Cast & Victim's Story

The chilling true crime documentary, "Until I Kill You," explores the tragic story of a young woman, Michelle Martinko, and the decades-long pursuit of her killer. This Netflix series delves into the shocking details of the crime and the arduous journey to bring justice to Michelle's family.

The Victim: Michelle Martinko

Michelle Martinko, a bright and popular 18-year-old, was a high school senior with a bright future ahead of her. On December 19, 1979, Michelle decided to go shopping for a Christmas dress at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, mall. It was a fateful decision that would end in tragedy.

The Crime

Michelle was found stabbed to death in her car, parked in the mall parking lot. The crime scene was brutal, revealing the vicious nature of the attack. The killer left no trace of themselves, leading to a decades-long investigation.

The Investigation

The investigation faced numerous challenges. Lack of leads, a lack of DNA technology at the time, and the passage of time made the search for Michelle's killer an uphill battle. However, the police never gave up hope, tirelessly pursuing every lead and working diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice.

The Cast of Characters

"Until I Kill You" introduces us to a cast of characters who were deeply impacted by Michelle's murder.

1. The Victim's Family: The series features Michelle's mother, Marilyn Martinko, whose unwavering determination to find her daughter's killer is a central theme. We see her tireless advocacy for justice and the immense toll that the unsolved murder took on her life.

2. The Detectives: The documentary follows the efforts of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, particularly the dedicated detectives who worked on the case for years. We learn about the investigative techniques they used, the challenges they faced, and the unwavering commitment to Michelle's case.

3. The Suspects: The series explores various individuals who were considered suspects over the years. Some of these leads were pursued aggressively, while others were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

4. The Community: The documentary also highlights the impact of the murder on the Cedar Rapids community. Residents grappled with fear and uncertainty as the case remained unsolved for years.

The Breakthrough

In 2020, a crucial breakthrough occurred when DNA evidence linked the crime to Jerry Burns, a man who had been a suspect early in the investigation. Burns was arrested and charged with Michelle's murder.

The Trial

The trial of Jerry Burns was a highly publicized event, with the community closely watching the proceedings. The prosecution presented strong evidence, including the DNA match, and Burns was ultimately convicted of Michelle's murder.

The Aftermath

"Until I Kill You" concludes with the sentencing of Jerry Burns and the emotional impact on Michelle's family and the community. While the conviction brought a measure of closure, it could never fully erase the pain of Michelle's loss.

The Legacy

The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of unsolved crimes. It highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and the power of a community in seeking justice. "Until I Kill You" is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, the justice system, and the human impact of violence.

Keywords: "Until I Kill You", Michelle Martinko, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, murder, true crime, documentary, Jerry Burns, DNA evidence, cold case, unsolved crime, justice, family, community, Netflix.