Death of teenager linked to serial killer Ted Bundy after more than 50 years

The body of Melissa Ann Smith was discovered in late October 1974, nine days after she was last seen. Her murder remained unsolved for 52 years until DNA evidence linked it to notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. Authorities confirmed a match with Bundy's DNA found on Smith's body, which also connected him to another victim, Laura Ann Aime. Bundy, known for murdering at least thirty women between 1974 and 1978, was executed in 1989 after multiple escapes from custody. This case highlights the importance of preserving evidence for solving cold cases.