By Calvin Gnech, Criminal Lawyer and Legal Practice Director at Gnech and Associates
05 May 2023
In the 1970’s Theodore (Ted) Robert Bundy engaged in a murderous and public campaign causing panic across many USA states. Ultimately, Bundy confessed to 28 murders of young women before his execution. This is the third of a series of ten posts about, perhaps the most notorious serial killers in history. Despite the appalling nature of his crimes, Bundy became something of a celebrity, particularly following his escape from custody in Colorado in 1977. During his trials his charm and intelligence drew significant public attention and incredibly created a cult female fan following.
After Bundy was found guilty and sentenced for the attempted kidnapping of Carol DaRonch he was charged with the murder of Caryn Campbell. Bundy was extradited from the Utah prison to Colorado for the trial.
On 7 June 1977, Bundy escaped custody by jumping from a second story window of a courthouse during a pre-trial hearing. Bundy was allowed to assist in his own defence, so he had the right to use the law library, which was located on the second floor of the same building as the Pitkin County Courthouse. The judge ordered that Bundy did not need to wear leg shackles or handcuffs. He was allowed to walk freely into the courtroom and to the law library.
Bundy fled into the mountains, where he broke into a cabin, staying for several days. Bundy eventually walked back into Aspen, where he stole a car that was unlocked and had the keys in the ignition. A deputy pulled over Bundy after spotting the car weaving along the road, and six days after his escape, Bundy was back in custody.
This was the first of two escapes by Bundy from custody. The second unfortunately involved the commission of more violent and horrific crimes by Bundy. This second escape will be the topic of the next post.
