Ted Bundy linked to 1974 Utah murder through DNA evidence

Authorities in Utah have officially connected serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith, a case that had remained unsolved for nearly five decades. The breakthrough came through DNA evidence obtained from Smith's body, which was matched to Bundy's profile.

Investigators utilized a new genotyping technology capable of analyzing degraded or mixed DNA samples. This technology was previously used to resolve the case of Laura Aime, another Bundy victim in Utah County. The DNA evidence from Smith, discovered in the woods on October 27, 1974, was compared to Bundy's complete DNA profile, leading to the confirmation.

"Although Ted Bundy is no longer alive to face prosecution, advances in forensic science and continued dedication of law enforcement professionals have helped provide answers in a case that has remained unsolved for over 50 years," said Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson at a news conference. "Most importantly, we remember Melissa Ann Smith and the somber significance of finally bringing this investigation to a close."

Smith, whose father was the former Midvale Police Chief Louis S. Smith, was reported missing on October 18, 1974. She was last seen at a restaurant in Midvale before her body was found by a hunter nine days later. Investigators had suspected a link to Bundy, who was serving time in Utah State Prison for another kidnapping in November 1974, and had also been a suspect in the murder of Caryn Campbell in Colorado.

During interviews before his execution, Bundy confessed to killing at least 30 young women across multiple states, including some crimes previously unknown to police. However, he reportedly had difficulty recalling details about the Smith and Aime cases. Bundy was ultimately convicted of murdering two sorority sisters at Florida State University and a 12-year-old girl in Florida.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of preserving evidence and utilizing scientific advancements to solve cold cases. Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera stated, "We have to solve these cases to the best of our ability... Nobody is just going to walk away and just blame everything on Ted Bundy, even though many cases have been that way. Here in the state of Utah, we take it very seriously."

Authorities are now working to confirm Bundy's potential involvement in the death of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, believed to be his first victim in Utah. Investigations are also ongoing into the deaths of Susan Curtis and Deborah Smith, who disappeared or were found dead in the Salt Lake City area in the mid-1970s.

"Solving the Smith homicide does not close the book on Ted Bundy," said Det. Ben Pender of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.