New DNA Evidence Confirms Serial Killer Ted Bundy Murdered Utah Teen in 1974

Authorities say Bundy confessed to the 1974 killing of 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime, whose body was found bound and beaten on the side of a highway.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:21pm

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New DNA testing has confirmed that serial killer Ted Bundy was responsible for the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime in Utah. Aime disappeared after leaving a party alone on Halloween night and was later found dead on the side of a highway. Investigators long suspected Bundy in the case, as he had confessed to the killing before his execution in 1989, but they lacked conclusive evidence until now.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Bundy's involvement in Aime's murder provides closure for her family after decades of uncertainty. It also highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement to use new forensic technology to solve cold cases and bring justice to victims of serial killers like Bundy, who terrorized communities across the United States in the 1970s.

The details

Aime's body was found about a month after her abduction, bound, beaten, and without clothing. Investigators had long suspected Bundy in the case, as he had confessed to the killing before his execution, but they lacked conclusive DNA evidence until now. Forensic analysts were able to extract a single male DNA profile from preserved evidence samples using new technology that allows for the analysis of small, degraded samples. This profile was submitted to a national law enforcement database and matched Bundy's DNA.

  • On Halloween night 1974, Laura Ann Aime disappeared after leaving a party alone.
  • About a month later, Aime's body was found on the side of a highway in American Fork Canyon.
  • In 1989, Ted Bundy confessed to Aime's murder before his execution.
  • In 2023, new DNA technology allowed investigators to extract a single male DNA profile from preserved evidence.
  • On April 1, 2026, authorities confirmed the DNA profile matched Ted Bundy.

The players

Ted Bundy

One of the most famous and prolific serial killers in U.S. history, linked to the deaths of at least 30 women and girls across several states in the 1970s.

Laura Ann Aime

A 17-year-old Utah girl who disappeared after leaving a party alone on Halloween night in 1974. Her body was later found bound, beaten, and without clothing on the side of a highway.

Michelle Impala

The younger sister of Laura Ann Aime, who was only 12 years old when her sister was killed.

Beau Mason

The Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner who announced the new DNA evidence linking Bundy to Aime's murder.

Sgt. Mike Reynolds

A sergeant with the local sheriff's office who expressed the desire to deliver healing to Aime's family through the resolution of the case.

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What they’re saying

“It's really quite amazing that people are even still interested in Laura's case. Know I speak for my family when I thank you, and thank you media, too, for even caring.”

— Michelle Impala, Sister of Laura Ann Aime

“Laura Aime is the quintessential daughter of Utah County. We felt the pain the family feels when she was taken. We felt the pain that you felt this whole entire time, and we've had the desire to deliver to you some type of healing.”

— Sgt. Mike Reynolds, Local Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Authorities say the confirmed DNA match to Bundy could help other law enforcement agencies solve additional unsolved killings that have long been suspected to be the work of the notorious serial killer.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued importance of preserving evidence and the ongoing advancements in forensic technology that allow investigators to revisit cold cases and provide closure for victims' families, even decades later.