Ted Bundy Linked to Another 1974 Utah Murder Through DNA: Melissa Ann Smith Case Closed

PARK CITY, Utah (October 28, 2026) – Authorities in Summit County, Utah, announced on Tuesday that DNA evidence has linked serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith, closing a cold case that stayed open for 52 years.

What Officials Announced

At a news conference, the Summit County Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office said the case is now officially closed. The County Attorney said the DNA evidence, along with Bundy's known pattern, motive, means, and opportunity, establishes that he was responsible for the killing.

Smith's body was found by hunters in 1974 in Summit County, near the border with Salt Lake County. Tuesday's announcement came on the 52nd anniversary of that discovery. Investigators say her family has been notified.

How DNA Solved the Case

The breakthrough is connected to another case. In April 2026, the Utah County Sheriff's Office announced that Bundy was responsible for the 1974 murder of Laura Ann Aime, also 17. Investigators reconstructed a full DNA profile for Bundy using modern forensic technology and a match with his profile on file in Florida.

In July 2026, investigators compared a Y-STR DNA profile from Aime's case with one from evidence in Smith's case. The two matched, which helped tie Smith's death to Bundy.

The Second Utah Cold Case Closed This Year

Smith is the second Utah cold case linked to Bundy and closed in 2026. Officials say the work is not finished. Investigators are still working to resolve the case of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, who disappeared in 1974. Bundy confessed to killing her, but her body was never found, and police are still looking for physical evidence to support that.

Who Was Ted Bundy?

Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who targeted young women and girls in the 1970s. He confessed to more than 30 murders across several states and was executed in Florida in 1989. Investigators believe the true number of victims may never be known.

Why This Matters

• Cold cases can be solved decades later with new DNA technology.
• Bundy's full DNA profile may help solve more unresolved cases in other states.
• Families of victims may finally get answers after more than 50 years.

Have Information About a Cold Case?

The Utah Department of Public Safety runs a cold case tip line at 833-377-7233 (833-DPS-SAFE).

This article is based on public statements from Utah law enforcement officials and reports from the Associated Press, UPI, and local Utah news outlets. We will update this story as new information is released.