Ted Bundy killed Utah’s Laura Ann Aime, evidence confirms
Apr 1, 2026, 10:50 AM | Updated: 6:47 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — In an update on Wednesday, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office announced the confirmed 1974 killer of Laura Ann Aime: Ted Bundy.
“We bring this case to a closure, and most importantly, we bring closure, hopefully to the Aime family who have endured over 50 years of the loss of their loved one,” Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith said.
Although Bundy claimed he murdered 17-year-old Aime before his execution in 1989, the sheriff’s office said the confession was not enough evidence to close the case at the time.
According to the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services analyzed body fluids left on Aime’s body using forensic techniques acquired in 2023, and was able to find DNA belonging to a male.
That DNA was then submitted to CODIS, a combined DNA indexing system used nationwide that houses over 25 million profiles from convicted offenders and arrestees. Mason said a result came in from Florida, leading forensic services in Utah and Florida to work together and find a positive match to Bundy.
“We can now say, without a doubt, that Theodore Ted Bundy did in fact murder Laura Ann Aime in the fall of 1974,” Smith said. “And that law enforcement now has DNA testing results that are compatible with the latest DNA testing standards.”
Sgt. Mike Reynolds with UCSO said the sheriff’s office got the results back in early March, confirming Bundy killed Aime. He said the case couldn’t have been closed without the help of professional officers and CSI back in 1974, who helped keep evidence in pristine condition.
“We knew that it closed the door of nearly almost 52 years later,” Reynolds said. “For Laura Aime, it provides strength, passion and now we have the final irrefutable blow to Bundy in this case.”
Family thanks the sheriff’s office
Aime was first reported missing after she left a party in Lehi on Halloween in 1974. Her body was found close to a month later on Nov. 27, when Aime’s sister, Michelle Impala, was only 12 years old.
While thanking the sheriff’s office for the work done to identify Bundy as Aime’s killer, Impala said she wasn’t aware her sister’s case was still open.
“I’m sure that my mom and dad would be really happy to know that (the case) is closed,” Impala said.
Impala shared how Aime was passionate about animals and often fed Nibs Licorice to her horse.
“I know that she would be really happy to know that (her case) has been closed,” Impala said.
Impala went on to thank those who attended the news conference where the sheriff’s office announced its findings.
“It’s really quite amazing that people, even, are still interested in Laura’s case,” Impala said. “But I appreciate… I really appreciate the evidence team and Jake, and Mike and you guys for even it being so passionate for you to close. And so I know speak for my family when I thank you.”
The sheriff’s office said it hopes the new forensic technology will help close other possible cases involving Bundy.
The sheriff’s office also said it would have pursued the case “to the fullest extent” and asked for capital punishment and the death penalty from the Utah County Attorney’s Office, if Bundy was still alive today.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated.
