Updated 3h ago · Crime
Utah Officials Connect Ted Bundy to 1970s Homicide
Summit County officials in Utah planned a Tuesday news conference to link another 1970s homicide to Ted Bundy. They also planned to announce the case's closure.
- Officials have not yet released the victim's name.
- 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith's 1974 death has long been a local cold case.
- 30 or more women and girls were killed by Bundy across several states.
- In April, Utah officials tied Bundy to the killing of Laura Ann Aime, 17.
Why it matters: Bundy died nearly 40 years ago. DNA advances keep expanding the list of killings formally attributed to him.
- Bundy confessed to some previously unknown crimes before his execution. Not all have been confirmed.
- 1989: Florida executed him for two 1978 killings at Florida State University.
How 27 sources split on this story
Source landscape
Factuality
High
Mixed
Low
Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean
27 sources · 34 articles · 48% Center coverage
Center coverage, 13 sources: The center runs the same wire report, focused on the scheduled announcement and the unnamed victim.
Yahoo News17hUtah authorities are connecting serial killer Ted Bundy to another 1970s homicideCTV News12hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager’s 1974 murder through DNA testingThe National Desk14hSERIAL KILLER | Utah authorities set to link Ted Bundy to another 1970s murderAssociated Press16hUtah authorities are connecting serial killer Ted Bundy to another 1970s homicideBBC News12hSerial killer Ted Bundy linked to teenage girl's murder after 52 yearsKXAN Austin10hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager's 1974 killing through DNA testingNewsweek11hTed Bundy's body count grows to include 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith of UtahPBS NewsHour12hAuthorities say serial killer Ted Bundy is responsible for the 1974 murder of another Utah teenage girlPennLive9hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another teen’s 1974 killing through DNA testingUSA Today13hUtah officials link Ted Bundy to murder of another 17-year-old girlWFLA News Channel 816hAuthorities connect serial killer Ted Bundy to another 1970s homicideWGAL 814hTed Bundy linked to another Utah teen's 1974 murder through new DNA testing, prosecutor saysWKBN Youngstown11hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager's 1974 murder through DNA testing
Left coverage, 7 sources: The left sees an update on a cold case, carried through wire reporting, in which DNA advances keep adding to Bundy's confirmed toll.
The Independent10hWhat to know about serial killer Ted Bundy and his rampage of violenceThe Boston Globe8hUtah investigators link teenager’s 1974 death to Ted BundyBoston.com7hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager's 1974 killing through DNA testingCNN14hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager’s 1974 murder through new DNA testing, prosecutor saysHouston Chronicle8hSerial killer Ted Bundy is linked to another Utah teenager's 1974 killing through DNA testingLos Angeles Times12hUtah authorities connect serial killer Ted Bundy to another 1970s homicideThe Guardian10hSerial killer Ted Bundy linked through DNA to 1974 murder of Utah girl
Right7 sources
The Washington Times12hUtah authorities say DNA links 17-year-old killed in 1974 to Ted BundyCitizen Free Press6hNew victim confirmed, murdered by Ted Bundy.Daily Mail9hNotorious serial killer Ted Bundy linked to death of another teenager in 1974 due to DNA evidenceNew York Post13hTed Bundy connected to 1974 murder of 17-year-old girl in Utah by DNA evidence: policeNewsmax17hUtah Connects Ted Bundy to Another 1970s HomicideOutKick14hTed Bundy expected to be linked to another decades-old homicide nearly 40 years after his executionWashington Examiner12hUtah officials tie Ted Bundy to 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Smith
What’s next: The sheriff and county attorney are expected to present the investigation and its findings.
- Is the victim Melissa Ann Smith, or someone else?
- What evidence led officials to their conclusion, and was DNA involved in this case?
- How many of Bundy's final confessions remain unconfirmed?
View all