Utah Officials Formally Close 1974 Melissa Smith Case Based On Ted Bundy DNA Link
Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson announced investigators are satisfied serial killer Ted Bundy killed 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith in 1974 and that the long-cold case is now considered closed.[1]
Utah County Sgt. Mike Reynolds said a highly similar DNA profile linked to Bundy was found in evidence from Smith's autopsy, and crucial DNA connections between Smith and confirmed Bundy victim Laura Aime enabled the case's closure.[1] Officials told reporters that Smith's killing also matched Bundy's pattern, motive, means and opportunity beyond the DNA evidence.[1]
Melissa Ann Smith was 17 when she was killed in 1974. Investigators said preserved autopsy evidence allowed modern forensic testing to connect the case to Bundy through DNA comparisons to a confirmed victim.[1] Mainstream outlets had already reported links between Bundy and other Utah cold cases as authorities reopened old files and retested evidence.[2]
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said the case shows the importance of preserving physical evidence for future forensic advances.[1] Officials also said they are now working to solve the death of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, who is described as another likely Bundy victim in Utah.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson announced investigators are satisfied Ted Bundy killed 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith in 1974 and that the long-cold case is now considered closed.
- Utah County Sgt. Mike Reynolds said a highly similar DNA profile linked to Bundy was found in evidence from Melissa Ann Smith's autopsy, and that crucial DNA connections between Smith and confirmed Bundy victim Laura Aime enabled the case's closure.
- Officials said Melissa Ann Smith's killing bore the hallmarks of Bundy's pattern, motive, means and opportunity in addition to the DNA evidence.
- Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera emphasized the case demonstrates the importance of preserving physical evidence for future forensic advances.
- Authorities said they are now working to solve the death of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, described as another likely Bundy victim in Utah.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Summit County Attorney Margaret Olson announced investigators are satisfied Ted Bundy killed 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith in 1974 and that the long-cold case is now considered closed.
- Officials said Smith's killing had the hallmarks of Bundy's pattern, motive, means and opportunity, beyond the DNA evidence.
- Utah County Sgt. Mike Reynolds said a highly similar DNA profile linked to Bundy was found in evidence from Smith's autopsy, and that crucial DNA connections between Smith and confirmed Bundy victim Laura Aime enabled closure.
- Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera emphasized the case shows the importance of preserving physical evidence for future forensic advances.
- Authorities said they are now working to solve the death of 16-year-old Nancy Wilcox, described as another likely Bundy victim in Utah.