Serial killer Ted Bundy linked to teenage girl's murder after 52 years
Utah authorities have used advanced DNA technology to link serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith. This discovery follows the recent identification of another victim, Laura Ann Aime, using similar forensic methods.
Why it matters
Advances in forensic science continue to provide closure for families of cold case victims decades after the crimes occurred.
Image source, Utah Department of Public Safety By Max Matza Reporting from Seattle Published 5 hours ago Authorities in Utah have used advanced DNA technology to link notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to the murder of a 17-year-old girl whose body was discovered by hunters 52 years ago.
Melissa Ann Smith, the daughter of a local police chief, was found on 27 October 1974 with signs of rape and torture.
In April, Utah officials identified teenager Laura Ann Aime as another of Bundy's victims. Evidence gathered from that case was subsequently used to help solve Smith's case.
Before his death by execution in 1989, Bundy had confessed to killing two other teenage girls in Utah. He has been linked to at least 30 murders across the US.
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