What to know about serial killer Ted Bundy and his rampage of violence

Ted Bundy's violent spree lasted for at least four years and claimed the lives of at least 30 women and girls. He was responsible for a series of gruesome crimes that spanned Washington state, Utah, Colorado, and Florida. Bundy's modus operandi typically involved breaking into young women's homes, bludgeoning and sexually assaulting them, and then either leaving them to die or dumping their bodies elsewhere.

Despite his charm and good looks during his 1979 trial, Bundy was no ordinary criminal. He was known for breaking into young women's homes, bludgeoning and sexually assaulting them, and then either leaving them for dead or disposing of their bodies. Bundy's crimes continued for several years, with women vanishing from Washington state, Utah, Colorado, and Florida.

His victims included 17-year-old Melissa Anne Smith, who was found dead in Utah with her head beaten with a crowbar, and Carol DaRonch, who survived by jumping out of Bundy's car after he tried to handcuff her. Bundy's notorious crimes drew widespread media attention, including during his 1979 trial for the Chi Omega murders, where he was described as a "bright young man" with an impressive magnetism that fascinated spectators.