A Deep Dive into True Crime: An Exploration of Ted Bundy

(TRIGGER WARNING - Contains graphic content and mentions of violent crime)

True crime is a genre of non-fiction books, TV shows, and movies, where the presenter typically explores a real crime, providing details on the real individuals involved- from perpetrator to victim. Today, the tragedies of well-known serial killers and psychopaths are commonly portrayed in films and on streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. Given its subject matter and potential for glorification, this form of content frequently elicits negative reactions. However, society more broadly typically holds differing and conflicting stances on the subject. Some view true crime as informative, as it warns the audience about possible dangers and helps them gain a better grasp of the real judicial system. However, on the other hand, others view true crime as "trash culture" and that the media is particularly insensitive and inconsiderate to the victims whilst often glorifying the perpetrators.

Ted Bundy was an American serial killer in the 1970s, who confessed to killing 30 young women across 7 states, though the actual number of victims is unknown. Bundy was described as a likeable, charming, and an intellectual young man by many who knew him. However, during his adolescence, Bundy began to show glimpses of the vicious serial killer he would become. According to some reports, Bundy was antisocial and would wander the streets searching for discarded explicit magazines, and spy through open windows to watch unsuspecting women. His academic achievements and aspirations for a career in law and politics were promising, but swiftly changed after his attack in 1974. He frequently preyed upon and targeted younger, attractive college girls. He would utilise his ‘charm’ to approach them, and ask for assistance ‘carrying his groceries’ by pretending to be disabled, regularly using props like crutches and fake arm casts. He would then render them unconscious and immobilise them in the front seat of his car. He proceeded to rape and strangle his victims, before mutilating them. He continued to engage in necrophilia, until the stench of putrefaction became intolerable.

As casualty numbers increased, and witness descriptions spread, numerous people contacted authorities to report Bundy as a possible suspect. Nonetheless, due to Bundy's apparent decent character and clean demeanour, authorities consistently dismissed him. Later, after fleeing a patrol car, Bundy would finally be apprehended; however, he would be released due to lack of evidence, although it was instructed for him to be closely monitored. Bundy was then apprehended after abducting and assaulting another victim. He managed to escape, but was detained again a week later. Unbelievably, he managed to escape again, continuing his murderous rampage and killing six more women before being arrested for the final time in Florida in 1978, on a traffic violation. Following an intense investigation, with the evidence increasingly pointing to Bundy, he would eventually be tried for all his heinous crimes. He was sentenced to death in 1980, and died in the electric chair in 1989.

Since then, many documentaries and movies have been made on Bundy and his crimes, such as the Netflix documentary ‘Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes’, which contained unreleased confession tapes from Bundy himself and a closer look into his case. These confession tapes got a lot of attention, helping the show to reach number 1 on the Netflix trending charts. The public was invested in Bundy’s case, some even began dressing as him for Halloween, failing to realise how disrespectful and insulting their behaviour was to the victims' families. Another popular Bundy movie, ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’, got mixed reviews because Ted Bundy was played by Zac Efron, best known for his part in High School Musical. Some critics argued that individuals who adored Efron appeared to "glamorise" Bundy's crimes and paint him as a charming, attractive man while ignoring his horrible crimes and the atrocities he committed.

In general, media platforms commonly produce shows on major true crime cases. Their popularity helps the businesses behind these platforms rake in profits, but this practice often raises a number of controversial and ethical concerns. Many of these true crime productions are insulting to the loved ones of the victims and tend to glorify serial killers, such as Ted Bundy. As for how society should approach true crime education, the jury is still out.

By Iman Chaudhry 6F14