A new book, Dark Tide: Growing Up with Ted Bundy, will feature Ted Bundy's death row letters to his cousin, Edna Cowell Martin.
Bundy maintained his innocence in letters until shortly before his execution in January 1989 when he confessed to 30 murders.
Bundy described his daily prison routine and compared it to Mahatma Gandhi's experience.
Who Was Ted Bundy?
A notorious serial killer, rapist, and necrophiliac.
Confessed to killing 30 women, but experts suggest the count could be over 100.
Arrested in February 1978 and executed in January 1989.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Theodore Robert Bundy
Born: November 24, 1946, in Burlington, Vermont
Died: January 24, 1989
Spouse: Carole Ann Boone (1980-1986)
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
Childhood
Born as an illegitimate child, raised by his grandparents.
Fascinated by the macabre and knives from a young age.
Displayed antisocial behavior patterns, like peering into windows and stealing.
Education
Graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in psychology.
Attended law school in Utah but did not graduate.
Involved in social and political activities during college.
Victims
Confessed to murdering 30 women in the 1970s.
Crimes followed a gruesome pattern involving rape and murder.
Experts believe Bundy may have started killing in adolescence.
Elizabeth Kloepfer
Bundy's long-term girlfriend who suspected him of murder.
Provided evidence to police that led to his arrest.
Wrote a book about her experience with Bundy.
Arrests and Escapes
Arrested for possession of burglary tools and linked to several crimes.
Escaped prison twice in 1977; recaptured after both attempts.
Convicted and sentenced to death for multiple murders.
Chi Omega Sorority House Break-In
Attacked four women, killing two at Florida State University in 1978.
Left bite mark evidence that led to his conviction.
Trial and Conviction
Gained celebrity status due to his charm and intelligence during trials.
Received multiple death sentences; executed in 1989.
Personal Life
Married Carole Ann Boone in 1980 while in prison; had a daughter named Rose.
Boone divorced Bundy in 1986 and moved away with their daughter.
Death
Executed by electric chair in 1989.
Body was cremated and ashes scattered in Washington state.
Media Portrayals
Subject of numerous films, documentaries, and books.
Notable portrayals include the Netflix film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and the docuseries Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.
Quotes
I didn’t know what made people want to be friends. I didn’t know what made people attractive to one another.
I don’t feel guilty for anything. I feel sorry for people who feel guilt.
Additional Information
Books detailing his life include The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule and The Phantom Prince by Elizabeth Kloepfer.
His life and crimes have inspired films and books exploring his psychological profile.