Ted Bundy Linked to 1974 Cold Case
-
Post By
Emmie
- October 28, 2026
Utah law enforcement authorities have formally linked notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to the October 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith, resolving a cold case exactly 52 years after hunters discovered her body.
Smith, the daughter of a former Midvale police chief, disappeared on October 18th, 1974, after visiting a local pizza parlor and restaurant. Her body was discovered nine days later on October 27th in Summit County bearing signs of sexual assault and physical violence.
Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson confirmed at a Tuesday news conference that investigators are now satisfied Bundy was responsible for Smith's death, citing matching forensic evidence and established behavioral markers.
The breakthrough relied on forensic technology introduced to Utah’s state crime lab in 2023, which enables technicians to retrieve and analyze small, highly degraded, or mixed DNA samples. Investigators matched evidence collected during Smith’s original autopsy with DNA profiles from Laura Ann Aime, another teenager whose 1974 murder was officially linked to Bundy in April, and Bundy's existing DNA profile on file in Florida.
Local officials praised early investigators for carefully storing evidence over more than five decades, enabling current detectives to utilize modern testing techniques.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera highlighted the role of evolving scientific methods in resolving long-unsolved homicides:
"Every single day forensics is changing and we have the ability to take a look at these cases again and again. "
Utah County Sgt. Mike Reynolds emphasized the commitment to resolving remaining inquiries tied to Bundy's crimes:
"With every case closure may we stomp the memory of Ted Bundy out."
Detectives noted that the resolution of Smith's case does not conclude ongoing cold case reviews across the state. Det. Ben Pender of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office explained:
“Information kind of leads to Ted Bundy but again we’re not for certain on Nancy Wilcox. We’re going to continue to work that case.”
Bundy was executed by electric chair in Florida in 1989 following his conviction for three murders, including two women at Florida State University's Chi Omega sorority house. Before his execution, Bundy confessed to dozens of abductions and homicides across multiple states including Utah, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, and Florida, though several reported cases remain unconfirmed.
Officials confirmed that Smith's surviving family members were notified of the DNA match but declined to attend the press conference or speak with media representatives.
