Slain teen found in 1974 definitively linked to Ted Bundy murders
SPANISH FORK, Utah (KUTV) — The demise of a Lehi teen has been undoubtedly related to the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office introduced Tuesday.
Laura Ann Aime was 17 when she first went lacking on Halloween night time in 1974. Her physique was found by hikers lower than a month later, undressed and in an embankment close to American Fork Canyon Road.
Her case was listed by the Utah Department of Public Safety as an unsolved murder. While on the time it couldn’t be definitively confirmed, Bundy confessed to his demise on the night earlier than his execution.
During a press convention Tuesday, greater than 50 years after Aime’s homicide, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office stated it had lastly been definitively confirmed Bundy dedicated the homicide.
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“Although Bundy did claim that he committed the murder of Laura, the confession he gave was deemed to be not enough evidence to close the case and rule out any other party having committed this crime, as had been speculated at the time,” stated Sheriff Mike Smith. “Fortunately, we have had new forensic techniques become available through our partnership with the Utah Department of Public Safety crime lab that made the closure of this case possible.”
Smith stated the Utah County Sheriff’s Office would have pursued the case to the fullest extent and pushed for capital punishment and the demise penalty if Bundy had been nonetheless alive right this moment.
Sgt. Mike Reynolds stated the Sheriff’s Office bought the affirmation from the state forensics in early March. Reynolds stated the Sheriff’s Office investigative staff had “one or two shots” on a number of the proof, together with physique fluids found on Aimee’s physique.
“With cold cases, we face quite a bit of particular challenges. Some of those steeper challenges in comparison to other critical cases are the integrity of the evidence,” Reynolds stated. “Because we had professional officers back in 74 and because we have professional CSI, we are able today to hold that evidence 52 years, almost, later.”
Laura’s sister, Michelle, stated that her household was appreciative of the proof staff for following by way of with the case to closure.
In whole, Bundy confessed to 30 victims – together with seven others in Utah – however it’s believed there could have been many extra.
Sheriff Smith stated the forensic breakthrough will assist shut any open instances associated to Ted Bundy. Sgt. Reynolds added that one different case can be shut to closing, however didn’t present additional particulars aside from it not being a Utah County sufferer.
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