Authorities in Utah have used advanced DNA technology to link notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to the murder of Melissa Ann Smith, a 17-year-old girl whose body was discovered by hunters 52 years ago. Smith, the daughter of a local police chief, was found on 27 October 1974 with signs of rape and torture. In April, Utah officials identified teenager Laura Ann Aime as another victim of Bundy. Evidence collected during that investigation was later used to help solve Smith's murder.&nbsp;Before his execution in 1989, Bundy had confessed to killing two other teenage girls in Utah. He has been linked to at least 30 murders across the United States. At a press conference on Tuesday, Utah County Sergeant Mike Reynolds said authorities were still examining additional Bundy cases in the state. "With every case closure may we stomp the memory of Ted Bundy out," he said.&nbsp;Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said the case should offer hope to other victims of unsolved crimes. "That there is hope out there", she said, describing what the case should represent to other cold case victims. "Every single day forensics is changing and we have the ability to take a look at these cases again and again," she said.&nbsp;Rivera also praised detectives for preserving evidence from Smith's case over the decades, saying it demonstrates the need to preserve evidence even when decades pass. In April, the director of the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services told the Salt Lake Tribune that the state had 444 unsolved death investigations, including 258 homicides.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-america-back-up-shouting-match-breaks-out-between-us-and-cuban-officials-at-un-1793136506372">'This is America. Back up': Shouting match breaks out between US and Cuban officials at UN | WATCH</a><h2>Ted Bundy's history of murders and escapes</h2>Bundy remains one of America's most infamous serial killers. He started his killing spree by attacking victims across the Pacific Northwest of the United States. He often approached women in public places and used his charm or a fabricated injury to gain their trust before luring them to secluded locations and killing them.&nbsp;Bundy was first arrested in 1975 for kidnapping a woman and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. However, in 1977, he escaped by jumping out of a prison library window. After being recaptured, he escaped again eight days later and continued killing until he was finally apprehended in 1978. Bundy was executed in 1989.

Utah authorities have linked Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith using advanced DNA technology, solving a decades-old cold case

Authorities in Utah have used advanced DNA technology to link notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to the murder of Melissa Ann Smith, a 17-year-old girl whose body was discovered by hunters 52 years ago. Smith, the daughter of a local police chief, was found on 27 October 1974 with signs of rape and torture. In April, Utah officials identified teenager Laura Ann Aime as another victim of Bundy. Evidence collected during that investigation was later used to help solve Smith's murder. Before his execution in 1989, Bundy had confessed to killing two other teenage girls in Utah. He has been linked to at least 30 murders across the United States. At a press conference on Tuesday, Utah County Sergeant Mike Reynolds said authorities were still examining additional Bundy cases in the state. "With every case closure may we stomp the memory of Ted Bundy out," he said. Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said the case should offer hope to other victims of unsolved crimes. "That there is hope out there", she said, describing what the case should represent to other cold case victims. "Every single day forensics is changing and we have the ability to take a look at these cases again and again," she said. Rivera also praised detectives for preserving evidence from Smith's case over the decades, saying it demonstrates the need to preserve evidence even when decades pass. In April, the director of the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services told the Salt Lake Tribune that the state had 444 unsolved death investigations, including 258 homicides. Also Read: 'This is America. Back up': Shouting match breaks out between US and Cuban officials at UN | WATCH Ted Bundy's history of murders and escapes Bundy remains one of America's most infamous serial killers. He started his killing spree by attacking victims across the Pacific Northwest of the United States. He often approached women in public places and used his charm or a fabricated injury to gain their trust before luring them to secluded locations and killing them. Bundy was first arrested in 1975 for kidnapping a woman and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. However, in 1977, he escaped by jumping out of a prison library window. After being recaptured, he escaped again eight days later and continued killing until he was finally apprehended in 1978. Bundy was executed in 1989.

Advanced DNA technology has linked serial killer Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith in Utah, 52 years after her death

52 years later, DNA evidence links serial killer Ted Bundy to 1974 murder of 17-year-old

A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975. Mackay was jailed for killing two elderly women and a priest. He briefly also admitted to eight other killings before retracting the confession. The now 70-year-old, who is believed to be UK's longest-serving killer, is up for a parole hearing next month. However, families of his victims and former police chief, Retired Detective Inspector Ken Tappenden, who is part of the team credited for catching Mackay, warn that even after almost five decades, the serial killer remains a danger to society.

Tappenden, a member of the Kent Police team that apprehended the serial killer, as per Daily Mail, has warned that "Mackay should never be freed. He could turn and become extremely dangerous."

Gareth Johnson, an MP for Dartford in Kent, where Mackay was raised, has expressed a fear that the killer's freedom bid may succeed, given that he isn't as notorious as some other murderers. "If he's free, I don't think the country will be safe," he remarked, and added that the public must be made aware of Mackay's crimes.

MacKay has reportedly changed his identity during his years in prison and now goes by the name David Groves. Currently, he is in an open prison near Bristol and is even allowed day-release trips.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/delhi-crimes-gruesome-cases-that-shocked-the-indian-national-capital-534837">'Delhi crimes': Gruesome cases that shocked the Indian national capital</a>

"The nature of his crimes is so severe he should die in prison," says Johnson.&nbsp;Mackay's&nbsp; crimes are also the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary, Confessions Of A Psycho Killer.

Mackay was diagnosed as a psychopath at the young age of 15 years. His victims include 87-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths from Chelsea and 89-year-old Adele Price, from Kensington; both died of strangulation. He split open the skull of his third victim, 62-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean, using an axe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-fbis-top-10-most-wanted-list-of-criminals-that-you-need-to-lookout-for-553499">In pics: FBI's top 10 most wanted list of criminals, that you need to lookout for</a>

Now, as per the Mirror, the Parole Board will evaluate whether Mackay can be granted freedom. The Board will grill him about the eight murders he had confessed to and&nbsp;subsequently retracted.&nbsp;

The publication quoting an anonymous source reports that the serial killer "will have to convince the panel his 'confession' to other murders was the ramblings of a man who was mentally ill at the time."

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A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975.

A serial killer popularly known as the ‘Devil's Disciple’ may soon be out from behind the bars. Often referred to as Britain's forgotten serial killer, Patrick Mackay has been in prison for 48 years, since 1975. Mackay was jailed for killing two elderly women and a priest. He briefly also admitted to eight other killings before retracting the confession. The now 70-year-old, who is believed to be UK's longest-serving killer, is up for a parole hearing next month. However, families of his victims and former police chief, Retired Detective Inspector Ken Tappenden, who is part of the team credited for catching Mackay, warn that even after almost five decades, the serial killer remains a danger to society. Tappenden, a member of the Kent Police team that apprehended the serial killer, as per Daily Mail, has warned that "Mackay should never be freed. He could turn and become extremely dangerous." Gareth Johnson, an MP for Dartford in Kent, where Mackay was raised, has expressed a fear that the killer's freedom bid may succeed, given that he isn't as notorious as some other murderers. "If he's free, I don't think the country will be safe," he remarked, and added that the public must be made aware of Mackay's crimes. MacKay has reportedly changed his identity during his years in prison and now goes by the name David Groves. Currently, he is in an open prison near Bristol and is even allowed day-release trips. Also read | 'Delhi crimes': Gruesome cases that shocked the Indian national capital "The nature of his crimes is so severe he should die in prison," says Johnson. Mackay's crimes are also the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary, Confessions Of A Psycho Killer. Mackay was diagnosed as a psychopath at the young age of 15 years. His victims include 87-year-old widow Isabella Griffiths from Chelsea and 89-year-old Adele Price, from Kensington; both died of strangulation. He split open the skull of his third victim, 62-year-old Catholic priest Anthony Crean, using an axe. Also read | In pics: FBI's top 10 most wanted list of criminals, that you need to lookout for Now, as per the Mirror, the Parole Board will evaluate whether Mackay can be granted freedom. The Board will grill him about the eight murders he had confessed to and subsequently retracted. The publication quoting an anonymous source reports that the serial killer "will have to convince the panel his 'confession' to other murders was the ramblings of a man who was mentally ill at the time." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know

Zac Efron, who won legions of female fans in the 'High School Musical'&nbsp;films, takes on a more sinister role in crime drama 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile', playing American serial killer Ted Bundy. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/extremely-wicked-shockingly-evil-and-vile-trailer-zac-efron-to-play-serial-killer-ted-bundy-193508">Watch trailer.&nbsp;</a>

The film, released on Netflix in the United States and Sky Cinema in Britain on Friday (May 3), follows the 1979 trial of Bundy, who was executed in Florida in 1989, through the eyes of his girlfriend Liz, played by 'Mirror Mirror'&nbsp;actress Lily Collins.

Before his death, Bundy admitted to killing more than 30 young women across several US&nbsp;states in the 1970s.

For Efron, the role is very different from his past work, with recent credits including the musical 'The Greatest Showman'&nbsp;and comedy 'Baywatch'.

"This was a way into a genre that I thought was a little bit more cerebral than your standard hack and slash movie," he told Reuters in a recent interview, adding he liked versatility.

"This is an in-depth look into one of the worst mass manipulators of the public and mass murderers of young girls and women probably ever and it's a hard story to tell."

The film takes its title from the words of judge Edward D&nbsp;Cowart - played by John Malkovich - when he sentenced the 32-year-old Bundy to death, calling his crimes "extremely wicked, shockingly evil, vile".

The televised Miami trial saw charismatic former law student Bundy, who escaped police custody twice, represent himself in a courtroom attended by fans.

"Nobody believed Bundy was capable of these horrible crimes because of how he looked, how he acted," director Joe Berlinger said.

"We live in an era of catfishing and people putting out false imagery of who they are, and so the lessons of Bundy today, I think are even more relevant than ever before."

Zac Efron, who won legions of female fans in the 'High School Musical' films, takes on a more sinister role in crime drama 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile', playing American serial killer Ted Bundy.

Zac Efron, who won legions of female fans in the 'High School Musical' films, takes on a more sinister role in crime drama 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile', playing American serial killer Ted Bundy. Watch trailer. The film, released on Netflix in the United States and Sky Cinema in Britain on Friday (May 3), follows the 1979 trial of Bundy, who was executed in Florida in 1989, through the eyes of his girlfriend Liz, played by 'Mirror Mirror' actress Lily Collins. Before his death, Bundy admitted to killing more than 30 young women across several US states in the 1970s. For Efron, the role is very different from his past work, with recent credits including the musical 'The Greatest Showman' and comedy 'Baywatch'. "This was a way into a genre that I thought was a little bit more cerebral than your standard hack and slash movie," he told Reuters in a recent interview, adding he liked versatility. "This is an in-depth look into one of the worst mass manipulators of the public and mass murderers of young girls and women probably ever and it's a hard story to tell." The film takes its title from the words of judge Edward D Cowart - played by John Malkovich - when he sentenced the 32-year-old Bundy to death, calling his crimes "extremely wicked, shockingly evil, vile". The televised Miami trial saw charismatic former law student Bundy, who escaped police custody twice, represent himself in a courtroom attended by fans. "Nobody believed Bundy was capable of these horrible crimes because of how he looked, how he acted," director Joe Berlinger said. "We live in an era of catfishing and people putting out false imagery of who they are, and so the lessons of Bundy today, I think are even more relevant than ever before."

Zac Efron plays Ted Bundy who murdered more than 30 women

Netflix issued a statement urging people not to call serial killer Ted Bundy "hot" while gently reminding users that there are "several other hot men in the service - almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers."

The video streaming giant on Twitter posted a statement in response to the latest reactions to their movie -- "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/extremely-wicked-shockingly-evil-and-vile-trailer-zac-efron-to-play-serial-killer-ted-bundy-193508">Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile</a>" -- based on &nbsp;Ted Bundy's life.

"I’ve seen a lot of talk about Ted Bundy’s alleged hotness and would like to gently remind everyone that there are literally THOUSANDS of hot men on the service — almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers," the statement read.

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I've seen a lot of talk about Ted Bundy’s alleged hotness and would like to gently remind everyone that there are literally THOUSANDS of hot men on the service — almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers
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The movie 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile' featuring Zac Efron in the lead, has already been screened at the Sundance film festival.

The film's trailer, released on January 28, features Zac Efron playing the dangerous yet charming Bundy who carries out multiple murders and later denies all of it to the jury.&nbsp;

The film also features Jim Parsons, John Malkovich, Lily Collins and Kaya Scodelario and has been directed by Joe Berlinger.

Berlinger has, in fact, earlier directed a four-part docuseries on Netflix titled 'Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes' as well.&nbsp;

Bundy was executed in January 1989. A few days before his execution he had confessed to 30 murders but it is believed that the number was higher.&nbsp;

Netflix issued a statement urging people not to call serial killer Ted Bundy "hot" while gently reminding users that there are "several other hot men in the service - almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers.

Netflix issued a statement urging people not to call serial killer Ted Bundy "hot" while gently reminding users that there are "several other hot men in the service - almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers." The video streaming giant on Twitter posted a statement in response to the latest reactions to their movie -- "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" -- based on Ted Bundy's life. "I’ve seen a lot of talk about Ted Bundy’s alleged hotness and would like to gently remind everyone that there are literally THOUSANDS of hot men on the service — almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers," the statement read. I've seen a lot of talk about Ted Bundy’s alleged hotness and would like to gently remind everyone that there are literally THOUSANDS of hot men on the service — almost all of whom are not convicted serial murderers — Netflix US (@netflix) January 28, 2019 × The movie 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile' featuring Zac Efron in the lead, has already been screened at the Sundance film festival. The film's trailer, released on January 28, features Zac Efron playing the dangerous yet charming Bundy who carries out multiple murders and later denies all of it to the jury. The film also features Jim Parsons, John Malkovich, Lily Collins and Kaya Scodelario and has been directed by Joe Berlinger. Berlinger has, in fact, earlier directed a four-part docuseries on Netflix titled 'Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes' as well. Bundy was executed in January 1989. A few days before his execution he had confessed to 30 murders but it is believed that the number was higher.

Netflix gently reminds everyone: Don't call Ted Bundy hot

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52 years later, DNA evidence links serial killer Ted Bundy to 1974 murder of 17-year-old

UK serial killer Patrick Mackay a.k.a. ‘Devil's Disciple’ may be released soon. Here's all you need to know

Zac Efron plays Ted Bundy who murdered more than 30 women

Netflix gently reminds everyone: Don't call Ted Bundy hot