The Black Dirt Tapes

06 The Murder of Michelle Martinko

Episode 6 – In 1979, 18‑year‑old Michelle Martinko was found murdered in her family’s car outside Cedar Rapids’ Westdale Mall, a crime that stunned the city and baffled investigators for decades. This episode revisits one of Iowa’s most haunting cases: the evidence, the long investigation, and the fight to finally uncover the truth. Written, recorded, and produced by Cody Burk.

05 The Charles City Tornado

Episode 5 – In May of 1968 a massive tornado tore through Charles City, leveling homes, factories, and entire blocks in minutes. By the time the storm passed, the town was unrecognizable—and hundreds of lives had been changed forever. This episode traces one of Iowa’s most devastating natural disasters: the storm, the survivors, and the long shadow it cast over northern Iowa. Written, recorded, and produced by Cody Burk.

04 The Sioux City Slayings

Episode 4 - In 2001, seven bodies were found at two separate crime scenes in Sioux City, Iowa — all at the hands of a single man with a hammer. No motive. No mercy. This episode unpacks one of the most senseless and brutal murder sprees in Iowa history… and the silence that followed.

03 The Flooding Of Red Rock

Episode 3 - The Flooding Of Red Rock Beneath the still waters of Lake Red Rock lie the remnants of towns lost to time—and to something else. In this episode, we trace the violent frontier roots of Red Rock, the great flood that nearly wiped it out, and the government’s decision to drown it for good. But not everything was taken away. Some things were left behind. Foundations. Graves. Stories. And they don’t always stay buried.

02 The Visitor Of Van Meter

Episode 2 – The Beast of Van Meter In the fall of 1903, something strange descended on the quiet town of Van Meter, Iowa. It came in the dark—winged, towering, and glowing from its head like a lantern. Townspeople swore it was real. Newspapers documented the terror. And then… it vanished. In this episode, we dig through the original reports, eyewitness accounts, and the uneasy silence that followed. Because the people of Van Meter never forgot what they saw. And they were certain… it was watching them too.