DNA Breakthrough Identifies New Ted Bundy Victim in Utah, Potential for More Cases

Advanced DNA techniques link 17-year-old's 1974 cold case murder to infamous serial killer

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:48am

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A more than 50-year-old Utah cold case murder has been identified as another victim of the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy using advanced DNA techniques. The bombshell announcement represents a breakthrough that may lead to resolving other unsolved cases across the United States, and potentially Wyoming.

Why it matters

Bundy is believed to have murdered at least 30 young women across seven states in the 1970s, including several in Utah when he was a law student at the University of Utah. This latest victim identification could provide closure for other families and open the door to solving additional cold cases linked to Bundy.

The details

The Utah County Sheriff's Office announced that 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime, who disappeared after leaving a Halloween party in 1974, was killed by Bundy. Her naked, bound, and strangled body was found less than a month later. Bundy confessed to 30 murders before his execution in 1989, but investigators at the time were unable to confirm Aime as one of his victims due to limited forensic technology. New DNA profiling techniques have now conclusively linked Aime's case to Bundy, potentially paving the way for solving other cold cases in Utah and beyond.

  • In 1974, Aime disappeared after leaving a Halloween party in Utah County.
  • Aime's body was discovered less than a month later on Thanksgiving when two hikers found her in American Fork Canyon.
  • Bundy was arrested on February 15, 1978 and eventually convicted of three counts of first-degree murder.
  • Bundy was executed in January 1989.

The players

Ted Bundy

An infamous serial killer believed to have murdered at least 30 young women across seven states, including several in Utah when he was a law student at the University of Utah.

Laura Ann Aime

A 17-year-old girl whose 1974 murder in Utah County was recently identified as a victim of Ted Bundy through advanced DNA techniques.

Utah County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that announced the breakthrough identification of Aime as a Bundy victim.

Utah State Crime Lab

The agency that acquired new genotyping technology in 2023 that allowed investigators to reconstruct a full DNA profile of Bundy, enabling the identification of Aime as one of his victims.

Michelle Impala

The younger sister of Laura Ann Aime, who spoke on behalf of the family at the press conference announcing the identification.

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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, Younger sister of Laura Ann Aime

“Here's this person that was taken in the prime of their adulthood that should have been able to have decades worth of more memories.”

— Sgt. Raymond Ormond, Utah County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Utah County Sheriff's Office and the Utah State Crime Lab are working to upload Bundy's full DNA profile into national databases, which could help solve other cold cases linked to the infamous serial killer across the country, including potentially in Wyoming.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of continued advancements in forensic technology, which can provide long-awaited closure for victims' families and the potential to solve decades-old cold cases. It also underscores the lasting impact of Bundy's horrific crimes and the enduring dedication of law enforcement to bring justice for his victims.