Serial Killer Ted Bundy's Deadly Rampage Spanned Years

Bundy's crimes left dozens of victims, with DNA evidence continuing to link him to new cases decades later

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:48am

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Ted Bundy's violent spree across multiple states in the 1970s resulted in the deaths of at least 30 women and girls, though the full scope of his crimes is still being uncovered through DNA testing decades later. Despite being considered charming and handsome, Bundy was a prolific serial killer who twice escaped law enforcement custody before ultimately being executed in 1989 for his horrific acts.

Why it matters

Bundy's case continues to fascinate the public due to his perceived charisma and the sheer scale of his murderous rampage, which spanned multiple states and left an untold number of victims in its wake. As DNA technology advances, more of Bundy's previously unknown crimes are being confirmed, providing closure for victims' families and shedding light on the full extent of his deadly legacy.

The details

Bundy's attacks began in 1974 in Washington state, where he targeted young women and girls, often breaking into their homes, sexually assaulting them, and either leaving them to die or dumping their bodies elsewhere. He continued his killing spree across Utah, Colorado, and Idaho over the next year. Bundy was first arrested in 1975 but managed to escape custody twice before being caught in Florida, where he murdered two women in a sorority house and a 12-year-old girl. He was ultimately executed in 1989, but new DNA evidence has continued to link him to previously unknown victims, including a 17-year-old girl in Utah whose case was closed over 50 years later.

  • Bundy's first known attacks began in Washington state in 1974.
  • He was first arrested in 1975 and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
  • Bundy escaped custody twice, in 1977 and 1978, before being caught in Florida.
  • He was executed by electric chair on January 24, 1989.
  • In 2026, new DNA evidence confirmed Bundy's involvement in the 1974 murder of a 17-year-old girl in Utah.

The players

Ted Bundy

One of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history, responsible for the deaths of at least 30 women and girls across multiple states in the 1970s.

Carol DaRonch

An 18-year-old woman who survived being abducted by Bundy, and whose testimony was instrumental in putting him behind bars.

Laura Ann Aime

A 17-year-old girl who was killed by Bundy in Utah in 1974, with her case being confirmed decades later through DNA evidence.

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What they’re saying

“He's a bright young man. He'd have made a good lawyer.”

— Judge Edward Cowart, Presiding judge at Bundy's 1979 trial

What’s next

Authorities expect to close another cold case linked to Bundy soon, as advancements in DNA technology continue to uncover the full scope of his deadly crimes.

The takeaway

Bundy's case remains a chilling example of the devastation caused by a prolific serial killer, and the importance of preserving evidence that can help solve crimes decades later through new forensic techniques. His enduring notoriety also highlights the public's complex fascination with charming, handsome criminals.