Edna Martin, Ted Bundy's Cousin, Breaks Decades of Silence

Reveals chilling letters, family memories, and her realization of his crimes in new Oxygen documentary

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Edna Martin, the first cousin of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, is opening up about her relationship with him and the disturbing letters he wrote to her from death row in the new Oxygen documentary 'Love, Ted Bundy'. Martin, a 74-year-old insurance broker, remained silent for 50 years to protect her family's interests, but is now sharing her story and exclusive family photos that offer a rare glimpse into Bundy's dual personality.

Why it matters

Edna Martin's account provides a unique family perspective on one of history's most infamous serial killers, shedding light on Bundy's early life and the moment Martin realized the truth about his horrific crimes. Her story also explores the lasting psychological impact on loved ones of those affected by Bundy's actions.

The details

Martin grew up in Tacoma, Washington with a close relationship to her cousin Ted Bundy, who was seen as a charming and successful young man when she attended the University of Washington in the late 1960s. However, their relationship was shattered when Bundy was accused and convicted of serial killings, including the assault of sorority members and a 12-year-old girl. While Bundy was on death row, he wrote letters to Martin, which she tried to use to get answers about his crimes, though he denied his guilt and showed no remorse. Martin remained silent for decades but is now opening up in the documentary to share her story and family photos that offer a rare look at Bundy's dual personality.

  • In the early 1970s, as a series of disappearances of young women in Seattle began to occur, Martin felt safe knowing that Bundy lived in the area.
  • In late 1975, Martin experienced a pivotal encounter that changed her view of Bundy forever when she found him standing with arms outstretched, declaring 'I'm Ted Bundy'.
  • Martin began writing letters to Bundy on September 9, 1980, after reading Ann Rule's book 'The Stranger Beside Me'.
  • Bundy received a death sentence in 1979 after his Florida conviction for murdering at a sorority house and killing a 12-year-old girl.
  • Bundy was executed on January 24, 1989 at Florida's Raiford Prison.

The players

Edna Martin

Ted Bundy's first cousin, a 74-year-old insurance broker from Washington who is breaking decades of silence to share her story and family photos in the Oxygen documentary 'Love, Ted Bundy'.

Ted Bundy

One of America's most infamous serial killers, who confessed to killing at least 30 women during the 1970s. He was seen as a charming and successful young man by his cousin Edna Martin before being accused and convicted of heinous murder charges.

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What they’re saying

“I'm Ted Bundy.”

— Ted Bundy (Fox News)

“What is done is done.”

— Ted Bundy (People)

“Let the dead bury the dead.”

— Ted Bundy (People)

What’s next

The two-hour special 'Love, Ted Bundy' featuring Edna Martin's story will air on Oxygen on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Edna Martin's account provides a rare family perspective on the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, shedding light on his early life and the moment his cousin realized the truth about his horrific crimes. Her story also explores the lasting psychological impact on loved ones affected by Bundy's actions.