DNA links serial killer Ted Bundy to 1974 murder of Utah girl
DNA evidence has linked serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith in Utah. This breakthrough follows the recent confirmation of Bundy's involvement in another 1974 cold case, highlighting the effectiveness of modern forensic technology in solving decades-old crimes.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the long-term impact of forensic science and evidence preservation in achieving closure for victims' families.
Ted Bundy at his murder trial in Miami, Florida, in 1979. Ted Bundy at his murder trial in Miami, Florida, in 1979. Utah DNA links serial killer Ted Bundy to 1974 murder of Utah girl Discovery comes months after Utah county detectives confirmed that Bundy had killed another Utah girl that year
Prefer the Guardian on Google The notorious serial killer Ted Bundy has been found responsible, through DNA evidence, for the murder of a 17-year-old Utah girl who went missing in 1974 before her nude body was found days later, state authorities announced at a Tuesday news conference.
The breakthrough in the investigation of Melissa Ann Smith’s death comes months after Utah county detectives confirmed in April that Bundy had killed another Utah girl, 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime, in 1974.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in