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DNA Links Ted Bundy to Melissa Smith Murder, Utah Says

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 23:08 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Utah authorities announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, that Ted Bundy murdered 17-year-old Melissa Smith.
DNA from the autopsy matched a Y-chromosome profile linked to Bundy in the Laura Aime case.
Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson said the DNA, pattern, motive, means and opportunity confirm Bundy’s guilt.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said the case proves preserving evidence is vital.

Summary

Utah’s 2023 genotyping upgrade produced full DNA profiles from degraded samples, aiding the Smith case.
Utah State Crime Lab partnered with Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and federal analysts.
Investigators announced they will keep probing Nancy Wilcox’s 1974 disappearance as a possible Bundy victim.
Three Utah cold cases—Nancy Wilcox, Susan Curtis, and Deborah Smith—remain under review for Bundy links.

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Ted Bundy Confirmed Murderer

Utah authorities announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, that Ted Bundy murdered 17-year-old Melissa Smith.
DNA from the autopsy matched a Y-chromosome profile linked to Bundy in the Laura Aime case.
Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson said the DNA, pattern, motive, means and opportunity confirm Bundy’s guilt.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said the case proves preserving evidence is vital.

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