DNA Links Ted Bundy to Utah Teen's 1974 Murder

More than five decades after a hunter discovered her body, Utah authorities have linked serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of Melissa Ann Smith, a 17-year-old girl. Officials announced Tuesday that DNA evidence, combined with other investigative findings, established Bundy's responsibility for the killing and allowed investigators to close the longstanding cold case.

Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson said investigators were satisfied that Bundy killed Smith. Beyond the DNA findings, authorities identified similarities between her death and Bundy's established pattern of crimes, including his motive, methods and opportunity.

Investigators made a crucial connection between Smith's case and the murder of Laura Aime, another Bundy victim whose case was resolved last April in Utah County. According to Utah County Sgt. Mike Reynolds, forensic evidence collected during Smith's autopsy contained a DNA profile highly similar to one associated with Bundy.

The discovery underscores the continuing role of preserved forensic evidence in resolving crimes that have remained unsolved for decades. Authorities said they had contacted Smith's next of kin, none of whom still live in the area.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera emphasized the importance of retaining evidence for future examination.

"This case demonstrates the importance of preserving evidence," said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.

Reynolds said resolving cases involving Bundy remained important to investigators seeking accountability for his crimes.

"With every case closure, may we stomp the memory of Ted Bundy out," Reynolds said.

Bundy was executed in Florida in 1989 for the 1978 murders of two women at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. Before his execution, he confessed to multiple crimes, including some that authorities had not previously identified, although investigators have not independently confirmed every case.

Authorities have attributed Bundy's crimes to incidents across Florida, Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Washington state. Investigators are also working to resolve the death of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, whom authorities consider another likely Bundy victim in Utah.