From his family to his victims to his death, these surprising facts about Ted Bundy reveal the full story of who he was and what he did.
Wikimedia CommonsWhether it’s recent revelations from those who knew him best or newly-surfaced recordings, the truth about who Ted Bundy was continues to come out — decades after his murders shocked America.
Who is Ted Bundy? What did he do — and why? Everyone from the family who raised him to the people who knew him to the police who investigated him has been asking questions like those for decades now.
In just four years between 1974 and 1978, Ted Bundy raped and murdered some 30 women across seven states — before engaging in necrophilia with many of their corpses. His crimes shocked and enraged America to the point that Bundy’s execution in 1989 brought out cheering crowds.
But Ted Bundy’s death surely did little to provide closure for the families of his victims. Nor did it stop all of us from asking some truly disturbing questions about who Ted Bundy was and what motivated him to commit such heinous acts.
From the stories of his girlfriend, his wife, and his daughter to the chilling accounts of his murders, these questions and facts about Ted Bundy reveal everything there is to know about one of American history’s most infamous monsters.
Who Was Ted Bundy And What Did He Do?
Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who raped, kidnapped, and murdered approximately 30 girls and women throughout the mid-1970s. Widely described as polite and charming, he evaded detection for years.
However, after multiple escapes from justice, he was ultimately captured for the last time in 1978. Following a trial that ended with a guilty verdict and three death sentences, Ted Bundy was executed at Florida State Prison on January 24, 1989.
When Was Bundy Born And Who Were His Parents?
Ted Bundy was born on November 24, 1946. He was raised by a single mother, Eleanor Louise Cowell and never knew his biological father. The lack of a genuine father figure left a lasting impact on Bundy.
His early life was further complicated by his belief that his mother was actually his sister, and that his grandparents were actually his parents. It wasn’t until later in life that Bundy learned the truth.
Where Was Ted Bundy From?
Ted Bundy was born in Burlington, Vermont at a home for unwed mothers. He and his mother remained there for two months after his birth, while she grappled with the choice of whether to put him up for adoption. Her father Samuel, however, wanted the child to grow up with their family in Philadelphia, where they lived for three years.
Then, his mother took him with her to Tacoma, Washington, where she eventually married a man named Johnnie Bundy, and Ted took on his stepfather’s last name.
What Was Bundy’s Childhood Like?
Wikimedia CommonsTed Bundy’s high school yearbook photo. 1965.
Bundy’s childhood was turbulent, to say the least.
Though his family appeared normal from the outside, his grandmother suffered from depression and agoraphobia, and his grandfather was reportedly an angry, violent man. Samuel Cowell, according to Bundy and other family members, would act out violently against family members, employees, and even cats and dogs.
That said, later in life, Bundy insisted that his relationship with his grandfather had been a good ones, so it’s difficult to say how much abuse really took place in the home.
Did Ted Bundy Exhibit Any Early Signs Of Violence?
Yes, from a young age Bundy exhibited troubling behaviors, including petty theft and voyeuristic tendencies. As he got older, those evolved into more violent fantasies.
For example, his aunt once awoke to find Bundy, still a toddler, placing knives around her as she slept. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she recalled, “I remember thinking at the time that I was the only one who thought it was strange. Nobody did anything.”
Did Bundy Have Any Siblings?
From the 1993 TIME/LIFE hardcover, True Crime-Serial Killers.Bundy, in plaid on the far right, poses with his mother Eleanor Louise Cowell, center, and three half-siblings.
Yes, he had a younger half-brother named Rich, as well as two-half sisters who have chosen to remain out of the spotlight. In 2019, Rich Bundy spoke publicly for the first time about his brother and the impact his crimes had on their lives.
When Ted was arrested, Rich was just shy of 14 years old, and like many of the other people in Bundy’s life, Rich believed wholeheartedly in his brother’s innocence during the initial trials. When he learned the truth, it crushed him.
In an interview with the blog Killer in the Archives, Rich said, “I was as devoted as a youngest little brother could be to his older brother that one could imagine, and I thought he was the ultimate good guy of the world. He was going to law school… I think because I was so, I mean, carrying so much love and respect for the guy, it was difficult to fully see the truth because of that.”
Over time, however, the truth came out, and most of the Bundy family became reclusive, opting not to speak about what Ted had done.
Where Is Bundy’s House?
Although Ted Bundy lived in several residences throughout his life, his home at 565 First Avenue in Salt Lake City, Utah, is among the most infamous.
When Were Bundy’s First Murders
Bundy lived at that house from 1974 to 1975 while committing his first murders. He killed four women in 1974, and in 1975 had a near-miss with police — who pulled him over and found masks, handcuffs, and blunt objects in his car. He nevertheless skated by and went on to kill some 20 more women.
Who Was Bundy’s Very First Victim?
Though Bundy’s first confirmed killing was Lynda Ann Healy on February 1, 1974, some suspect that he murdered eight-year-old Ann Marie Burr in Tacoma, Washington in 1961, when he was just 14.
How Many People Did Ted Bundy Kill And Where Did His Crimes Take Place?
Personal Photos via The TimesThough we may never know the full truth about what Ted Bundy did, he’s believed to have killed some 30 women in total.
Ted Bundy confessed to killing 30 women in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Florida in the years leading up to his final arrest in 1978. He was subsequently convicted of only three murders, but some suspect that he could have killed up to 100 people.
How Did Ted Bundy Lure His Victims In?
Ted Bundy was a chameleon of sorts. He was naturally charismatic and manipulative, and often sought to exploit the kindness of others. His most common method of luring in victims was to feign injury or pretend that he was in need of help, which allowed him to get victims in close before abducting and attacking them.
Were There Any Survivors Of Ted Bundy’s Attacks?
Although Ted Bundy attacked women with terrifying brutality, a few of his victims miraculously managed to escape with their lives. Though we may never know exactly how many, some half-dozen women have come forward with stories of close calls with Bundy.
For example, Karen Chandler and Kathy Kleiner survived his attack in 1978 because their housemate returned home before he could kill them. In another instance, Brigham Young University student Pam Prine was walking with Bundy on campus when he tried to grab her — but she managed to shake free and run away.
What Was Ted Bundy’s IQ?
Ted Bundy reportedly had an IQ of 136. While classification systems vary, most agree that this puts Bundy well above average and close to “genius” level. What’s more, most serial killers generally are understood to have much lower IQs than other people, with some estimates for killers around 95.
Furthermore, Bundy was educated, making it to the honor roll at the University of Washington before enrolling at the University of Puget Sound School Of Law. But that’s when his schooling ended, and his murders began.
How Was Bundy Described By Those Who Knew Him?
Ken Hawkins/Alamy Stock PhotoTed Bundy ultimately confessed to 30 homicides that he committed in seven states between 1974 and 1978.
Although Ted Bundy described himself as “the most cold-hearted son of a bitch you’ll ever meet,” most didn’t see that side of him — until it was too late. Good-looking and charismatic, people described Bundy as a likable and charming young man with an engaging sense of humor. With chilling calculation, these are precisely the attributes he often used to gain his victims’ trust before attacking them.
Was Ted Bundy Married?
Despite his dozens of attacks on girls and women, Ted Bundy did manage to get married in 1980 — while on trial for murder. It was then that he married Carole Ann Boone, a Washington state department of emergency services worker he’d met back in 1974. However, Boone divorced Bundy in 1986 — four years after giving birth to a daughter named Rose.
Was Bundy’s Wife Involved In His Crimes?
There is no evidence to suggest that Carol Ann Boone had any involvement in his crimes, although she believed his innocence for a long time — and staunchly defended him to the press. Her opinion changed shortly before their divorce, when Bundy began confessing in an attempt to delay his death sentence.
What Happened To Bundy’s Girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall?
YouTubeTo this day, some of the most astounding facts about Ted Bundy involve the women in his life, including girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall — who was with him during his first murders in 1974.
Born Elizabeth Kloepfer (only later known as Elizabeth Kendall), she dated Ted Bundy from 1969 to 1974, though the pair were never married.
Although she had her suspicions about her boyfriend — and even once suggested, fruitlessly, that the Seattle Police look into Bundy as a murder suspect — Kloepfer remained with Bundy for years before their relationship ended. During the last months of their relationship, Bundy had already begun raping and murdering his first victims — though Kloepfer is believed to have had no knowledge of this at the time.
Did Ted Bundy Have Kids?
Ted Bundy had a daughter named Rose with his wife Carol Ann Boone. Boone got pregnant while Bundy was in prison, as they were allowed to have intercourse during conjugal visits. Boone gave birth to Rose on Oct. 24, 1982.
Bundy enjoyed a steady relationship with Rose, who would visit him in prison for the first several years of her life. But after Boone and Bundy split in 1986, she took Rose, left the state of Florida, and the pair never reemerged publicly again.
Who Is Ted Bundy’s Daughter?
Almost nothing is known about Rose Bundy. She’s stayed out of the spotlight ever since Boone and Bundy split up in 1986 and her whereabouts today are unknown.
Years before Rose was born, Ted Bundy also helped raise Elizabeth Kloepfer’s daughter, Molly, who later spoke about her experience with the man she had no idea was a budding serial killer.
How Did Bundy Evade Capture For So Long?
Bundy was able to avoid capture by law enforcement for several reasons. His high intelligence and charisma played a part, certainly, as did his ability to disguise himself well. The other major factor is how widespread his crimes were, geographically speaking. He committed his crimes in several states, including Washington, Utah, Colorado, and Florida, which made it more difficult for authorities to track him down.
How Did Ted Bundy Get Caught?
After Ted Bundy was pulled over in 1975 — and a police officer saw the masks, handcuffs, and blunt objects in his trunk — Utah police put him under surveillance. When he sold his car, police found DNA evidence matching three of his victims. And when police put Bundy in a lineup, a woman who had escaped his attack positively identified him, landing him behind bars.
Did Bundy Escape From Prison?
However, he pulled off two dramatic escapes from prison in Colorado in 1977 before fleeing to Florida. There, he killed a few more victims before he was caught for driving a stolen car on February 12, 1978. And this time, Bundy wouldn’t escape.
Did Ted Bundy Represent Himself In Court?
Wikimedia CommonsTed Bundy in court in Florida in 1979.
Yes, Ted Bundy chose to represent himself in court. As a former law student, he had enough knowledge of the legal system to serve as his own counsel. However, his manipulative manner of speaking, the chilling nature of his crimes, and his at times erratic behavior did little to help his case — and despite his claims of innocence, he was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Did Bundy Confess To His Crimes?
Throughout his many trials, Ted Bundy professed his innocence. However, once on death row, Bundy eventually confessed that he’d murdered 30 women and provided a wealth of chilling details. He hinted, however, that his body count could actually be much higher.
How Long Was Bundy On Death Row?
Ted Bundy was on death row in Florida for nine years, following his death sentence in early 1980. Although his initial execution date was set for March 4, 1986, it was postponed several times after courts issued stays based on minor technicalities with his murder trials — as well as last-minute confessions to further murders to try to buy more time.
Bundy’s last request for review was denied in 1988, and within hours a final execution date was set for January 24, 1989.
Did Ted Bundy Ever Express Any Remorse For His Crimes?
In his final years, Bundy did attempt to show remorse for his crimes, but many believe this was just another attempt at manipulation.
On January 24, 1989, Bundy granted a videotaped interview to psychologist James Dobson, during which he claimed that exposure to violent pornography had fueled his homicidal urges, suggesting that such material was a root cause of his actions. However, many biographers and researchers have interpreted this as another attempt by Bundy to shift blame and manipulate public perception, rather than an expression of genuine remorse.
He often blamed external factors for his behavior, including his family background, alcohol, the media, and society at large. At times, he even suggested that his victims were partly responsible for their fate, indicating a profound absence of guilt or remorse.
Was Bundy Mentally Ill?
While he was never formally diagnosed with a mental illness during his lifetime, various mental health professionals have retrospectively proposed several potential diagnoses based on his behaviors and known history.
Some experts have suggested that Bundy displayed classic signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), more commonly referred to as psychopathy. Others have suggested he may have also had Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Bipolar Disorder (BPD), or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
How Did Ted Bundy Die?
Bettmann/Getty ImagesFlorida State University’s Chi Phi fraternity celebrates the death of Ted Bundy with a large banner that says “Watch Ted Fry, See Ted Die!”
Following his multiple guilty verdicts in Florida, Ted Bundy was sentenced to death for the third and final time on February 10, 1980. Finally, on January 24, 1989, he was executed by electric chair at Florida State Prison. Outside the prison, crowds cheered Bundy’s death and set off fireworks.
When Did Ted Bundy Die?
Ted Bundy died at 7:16 a.m. on January 24, 1989. His last words were: “I’d like to give my love to my family and friends.”
How Old Was Bundy When He Died?
Born November 24, 1946, Ted Bundy was 42 years old when he was executed.
What Was Ted Bundy’s Last Meal?
Although death row inmates are allowed to pick a last meal, Ted Bundy seemed indifferent to this privilege. He declined to choose and was thus given the default last meal menu in Florida of steak, eggs, hash browns, and toast. However, Bundy didn’t even eat any of it.
Bettmann/Getty ImagesA number of key details about who Ted Bundy was and what he did came out during his trial in 1980.
Where Is Bundy Buried?
Per his request, Ted Bundy was cremated. His ashes were spread in Washington State’s Cascade Mountains — the same place where he dumped many of his victims.
Why Did Ted Bundy Kill?
The exact motives for why Bundy committed his horrific crimes remains a mystery and subject of widespread debate, but based on comments he made over the years and expert analysis, there are several underlying factors that could be attributed to it. Psychological factors were likely at play, though Bundy admitted over the years that his crimes provided him with a sense of power and control. He described murder as a way of possessing his victims several times.
There was also a sexual component to Bundy’s crimes, as he would typically sexually assault his victims before and after death.
Does Bundy Have Any Living Relatives?
Ted Bundy does have several living relatives. His daughter Rose is presumably still alive and believed to be in her 40s, though nothing is known publicly of her whereabouts. His three half-siblings likewise almost never speak publicly about him.
Why Is Ted Bundy Still So Notorious Today?
Wikimedia CommonsTed Bundy’s mugshot from February 13, 1980.
Even at the time of his trials, Bundy was a “popular” figure. His ability to present himself as charming, intelligent, and attractive starkly contrasted with the brutality of his crimes, challenging serial killer stereotypes. Likewise, the extensive media coverage of his trial — one of the first nationally televised — turned it into a spectacle, embedding him into the collective consciousness.
Bundy has also been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, many of which only came out in the last few years. And like many other killers, Bundy is a fascinating character study for psychologists and criminologists trying to understand why people commit such monstrous deeds.
Bundy’s case is also a quintessential example of the phenomenon known as hybristophilia, where individuals are attracted to those who commit crimes.
After learning all the most shocking Ted Bundy facts about who he was and what he did, discover how Bundy helped police catch serial killer Gary Ridgway. Or, peruse some of history’s most chilling quotes from serial killers.
