A Utah teenager, Laura Ann Aime, has been identified as another victim of serial killer Ted Bundy, thanks to advancements in DNA technology. Authorities announced Wednesday that DNA evidence conclusively links Bundy to Aime’s death, finally solving a cold case that has lingered for over half a century.

The Disappearance and Discovery

Laura Aime, 17, vanished on October 31, 1974, after leaving a Halloween party to purchase cigarettes, according to KTVX. Her body was discovered just days later by hikers in an embankment near American Fork Canyon road.

Family Remembers Laura

“Laura didn’t live with the family at the time,” Aime’s niece, Tara Stucki, told the outlet last year. “She was kind of a free spirit and was off with friends at the time.”

Investigation and Initial Suspicions

Investigators determined Aime had been raped, strangled, and murdered. For decades, Ted Bundy was considered the prime suspect, particularly as he began studying law at the University of Utah just two months before her disappearance.

Stucki stated that Bundy had “approached multiple times before” and “kind of stalked her before taking her,” according to KTVX. However, Bundy reportedly couldn’t recall if Aime was among his victims during confessions to other homicides.

DNA Breakthrough Solves the Case

The case remained unsolved for 51 years until investigators with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office utilized new DNA technology. This technology linked Bundy to Aime’s killing.

“We bring this case to a closure and more importantly closure to the Aime family,” Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith said at a news conference Wednesday morning, as reported by FOX 13.

Details of the DNA Evidence

Investigators obtained a male DNA profile from bodily fluids found on Aime’s remains through recent testing. The profile was then entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national DNA database, resulting in a match to Bundy in Florida. Further analysis confirmed the link.

Bundy's History and Legacy

Aime is believed to be Bundy’s third victim in Utah. Bundy has been linked to killings in Florida, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington between 1974 and 1978.

He confessed to 28 murders but is suspected of being responsible for hundreds. Bundy was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of two Florida college students in 1979 and again in 1980 for the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. He was executed in 1989.

Family's Reaction and Future Investigations

“I know that she would be really happy to know that has been closed,” Michelle Impala, Aime’s younger sister, said Wednesday, according to KTVX. She expressed a sense of satisfaction knowing Bundy is facing justice.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is sharing the DNA profile with other departments, hoping to identify additional victims. Authorities believe this development may lead to the resolution of another cold case, though details remain undisclosed.