DNA Matches Close 1974 Utah Cold Case, Linking Melissa Smith’s Death to Ted Bundy
Summit County authorities officially closed the 1974 murder case of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith on October 27, 2026, attributing her death to serial killer Ted Bundy. The resolution relied on Y-STR DNA profiles from Smith’s autopsy matching evidence from the 2026 closure of another Bundy victim, Laura Ann Aime. This marks the second Utah cold case linked to Bundy closed this year, utilizing advanced genotyping technology introduced in 2023 to analyze degraded samples. While investigators confirmed Bundy’s involvement based on DNA, pattern, motive, means, and opportunity, they noted that other potential victims, such as Nancy Wilcox, remain under investigation. Smith’s family, who no longer reside in Utah, were notified of the breakthrough.