Evidence links serial killer Ted Bundy to another murder of police chief’s 17-year-old daughter

Utah authorities have officially connected another unsolved murder from over 50 years ago to the notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy. During a press conference on Tuesday, the Summit County sheriff and county attorney announced this discovery and explained their decision to close the cold case. The victim, identified as Melissa Ann Smith, a 17-year-old girl, was found dead in a wooded area near Toll Canyon in Summit Park in October 1974.

Her murder had been listed as unsolved and was believed to be connected to Bundy. Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson stated, "This DNA evidence, when considered alongside evidence related to pattern, motive, means, and opportunity, establishes that Ted Bundy was responsible for Melissa Ann Smith’s murder." Despite Bundy no longer being alive to face prosecution, advances in forensic science and the dedication of law enforcement have provided answers to this long-standing case.

The revelation came after a similar breakthrough in April, where Bundy was definitively linked to the 1974 killing of 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime through advanced DNA testing. Authorities had previously developed a full DNA profile for Bundy, which could now be used by other agencies to reevaluate other unsolved homicides.