THE BUNDY SECRETS is now available from WildBlue Press! Order your copy today!
‘Hidden Files on America’s Worst Serial Killer’ Completes Sullivan’s Opus
Rare Revelations Of A Murderous Rampage
Within the pages of THE BUNDY SECRETS: Hidden Files Of America’s Worst Serial Killer is a unique, never-before-published look at the investigations undertaken to stop the depredations of America’s most infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy. Presented here in an easy-to-follow chronology are the raw, unedited and most fascinating official case files as they appeared to the detectives from the Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains to Florida.
THE BUNDY MURDERS: A Comprehensive History, the first book in Sullivan’s comprehensive trilogy, was a dramatic narrative of the killer’s life, and book two, THE TRAIL OF TED BUNDY: Digging Up The Untold Stories, was dedicated to recollections of various friend, witnesses and detectives associated with Bundy. Now, THE BUNDY SECRETS, completes Sullivan’s work by presenting readers with a “just the facts” rendition of the formerly classified files of the manhunt, as well as contemporary interviews, gathered by Sullivan from dozens of sources along Bundy’s trail of terror. A must-have for true crime students of Ted Bundy.include “https://wildbluepress.com/wp-content/themes/magazine-pro/wbp-maincontentsalesbuttons.php?title=the%20bundy%20secrets”;
“This final installment in Sullivan’s Ted Bundy trilogy brings significant perspective to parts of official records not generally seen. Bundy fascination never wanes, and THE BUNDY SECRETS offers new items from patient sifting through the finest case details. Anyone interested in Bundy should read this captivating book.” –Katherine Ramsland, critically acclaimed author of Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer and The Mind of a Murderer
From The Book:
Within the pages of this book you’ll read complete reports, entire letters and various communications in the same way it came before the eyes of the investigators. It is a fascinating look into the Bundy case from a unique perspective. And along with the record, I will have commentary throughout, aiding your understanding of the text, and adding clarification where needed. If I could say only one thing about the official record of the Ted Bundy case, it would be this: It is rich in information. It is an inexhaustible source; almost bottomless in its density of material.
Ted Bundy 1976 by the Salt Lake Tribune
What follows is that record of the Ted Bundy case files, from the various states where Bundy committed abduction and murder, or was suspected of doing so. Without question, the case files, housed in the archives in various states, are a gold mine of information and insight concerning Ted Bundy and his crimes. Indeed, no matter how much material I used for my first book on the case, there is information here that neither I, nor any other author of any of the Bundy books has used–it’s just impossible to make use of it all, as the book would have to be in the tens of thousands of pages!
From The Author:
I must confess that this is not a book I thought I’d ever be given a chance to write, and in fact, it wasn’t even on my radar. Of course, I’m sure you’re completely lost right now, and have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, so I’ll explain…
Ted Bundy in 1976 by the Salt Lake Tribune
My first in-depth work on the Ted Bundy case was, The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History, published by McFarland & Company in 2009. Then in 2016, my book, The Trail of Ted Bundy: Digging Up the Untold Stories, was released by WildBlue Press; and this second book also added to the previous book by bringing out new and never-before-published testimonies from those closely involved with the case.
For both books, I drew from the thousands and thousands of pages I have of the original case files, and the stories and statements from the friends of Ted Bundy; friends of the victims, as well as the detectives who hunted him and others who were given the job of dealing with the killer in one form or another. And both of these works have met, and continue to meet, the expectations and needs of those hungry readers wanting more insight into the Bundy case. And because of this, I began to feel that perhaps, one last book on the killer was in order. At the same time I also realized that, because of the nature of what this new book would be, it was going to stand out from all of the previously written Bundy books, including mine!
Within the pages of THE BUNDY SECRETS: Hidden Files on America’s Worst Serial Killer, you’ll be reading for the first time the actual case files, completely unedited and, for the most part, in their entirety.
These files have been carefully selected by me as the most interesting to pull from the stacks, and remember, all of these were once highly classified documents, available only to law enforcement. These reports cover first, the elusive and nameless killer they were hunting, followed by Bundy being identified as their most likely suspect, and finally, after his apprehension in 1975, the work that had to be conducted to put him away for a very long time; or better yet, they reasoned, to put him in a prison death house awaiting execution.
Now, just to get back to what I said above about never believing I’d be able to write a book like this:
On both occasions when I was writing the Bundy books, I felt a sense of regret that the average person would never see the massive material that I had at my disposal. I fully understood that most folks interested in the case would enjoy perusing such fact-filled (and in some cases, highly-charged) material, but there was no way to get the material to them. And then, I had one of those wonderful Eureka moments! And it was that moment that led to the writing of this book.
Author Kevin Sullivan
As is the case whenever I write true crime books, I usually end up hearing from some of the folks involved in whatever particular murder I’m writing about; and this has been especially true concerning the Bundy case. Indeed, I have had far more contacts pertaining to the Bundy murders than any other crime or killers I’ve written about. And to be honest, given the scope of Ted Bundy’s trail of terror, and the thousands of lives he affected, I’m not surprised by this at all.
Along with the files, I have commentary throughout the book, so as to provide clarity where needed. There is also a chapter in the book devoted to the new testimony that has come my way over the last year, and knowing the nature and the scope of these newly conducted interviews, I know you’ll find them fascinating.
And with this, I welcome you into the world of THE BUNDY SECRETS!
Will this be released as a book – of paper and ink? I have the two other Bundy books written by Mr Sullivan. Both were excellent. I would like to add this to my library… I can’t be the only one with an aversion to ebooks.
Thank you
Hi Harvey,
Yes, the book will also be released as a trade paper, and as an audio book too. Like you, I still love holding in my hands an actual book. But I also love the convenience of eBooks, as I have over 100 on my IPhone, and a hundred books would be too heavy to carry around, lol! I also love audio books, as I can listen to them while driving or walking, which is cool.
And thanks, Harvey, for the good words about my books! I really appreciate them. 🙂
Take care,
Kevin
Thank you sir. Your response is greatly appreciated.
As you are likely the expert on Mr Bundy and his exploits, may I ask for an opinion regarding the nebulous concept of “ownership” that Ted claimed for his victims. Do you think it is possible that Ted was familiar with Stirner… and using it in that context – predation as egoism or a kind of illegalism? Or is he taking the lead from Edmund Kemper, of whom I’m sure Bundy would have read with enthusiasm.
Thanks again,
H
Hi Harvey…
I wish I could tell you what Bundy felt about any of these things, but I don’t believe he ever expressed an opinion in this area. I have always found it interesting that he majored in Psychology, which may speak of his desire to find answers as to why he was the way he was. But I don’t believe any of his education satisfied him. He, being a psychopath, didn’t much care, either.
Now, as to killers like this, I can only tell you that they’re driven to own their victims, and the ultimate of owning, is having the power of life and death in their hands. And as I said in The Bundy Murders, he was always going to choose death. The experience of killing gave him something – a connection of sorts -with the victim that no other person on the earth had or would ever have with the deceased. It’s like playing God, and how many people ever do this? And frankly, these types of killers who think in these very strange ways, couldn’t care less about the academic discussions as to the “whys” of it all. They’re just happy to be flowing in it.
Take care,
Kevin
Take care, Harvey.
Kevin
Yes, he studied psychology. No doubt because of an awareness that he was different. And because he was different, psychology would have proven empty. So I cannot help but wonder how far he might have gone in search of answers. Surely looking into philosophy and history would not be out of the question. He was not a stupid man by any means.
It seems as though Ted was artfully inarticulate… much like Ridgeway, Keyes, Milat etc. His actions, though, suggest he was a homicidal adventurer… daring and reckless..The Dancer on the Crumbling Edge. I suppose that was my thinking for the Individualist/Illegalist historical and philosophical angle. A prototype for Edgler Vess.
Of course there is nothing to support this other than certain phrasings he utilized, which admittedly may have been borrowed from Kemper. Oh well.
Are you familiar with The Gates of Janus by Ian Brady? There are some facual errors but the real value of the work lays in his moral relativism. And the astute observation that most psychopaths find socially acceptable outlets for their murderous urges.
Thank you sir. Your response is greatly appreciated.
As you are likely the expert on Mr Bundy and his exploits, may I ask for an opinion regarding the nebulous concept of “ownership” that Ted claimed for his victims. Do you think it is possible that Ted was familiar with Stirner… and using it in that context – predation as egoism or a kind of illegalism? Or is he taking the lead from Edmund Kemper, of whom I’m sure Bundy would have read with enthusiasm.
Thanks again,
H
Yes, he studied psychology. No doubt because of an awareness that he was different. And because he was different, psychology would have proven empty. So I cannot help but wonder how far he might have gone in search of answers. Surely looking into philosophy and history would not be out of the question. He was not a stupid man by any means.
It seems as though Ted was artfully inarticulate… much like Ridgeway, Keyes, Milat etc. His actions, though, suggest he was a homicidal adventurer… daring and reckless..The Dancer on the Crumbling Edge. I suppose that was my thinking for the Individualist/Illegalist historical and philosophical angle. A prototype for Edgler Vess.
Of course there is nothing to support this other than certain phrasings he utilized, which admittedly may have been borrowed from Kemper. Oh well.
Are you familiar with The Gates of Janus by Ian Brady? There are some facual errors but the real value of the work lays in his moral relativism. And the astute observation that most psychopaths find socially acceptable outlets for their murderous urges.
Yes, I have a copy of Gates and have read a small portion of it. Somehow I became sidetracked (no doubt because of my writing), and it went back on the shelf. But I am determined to finish it when time permits. I will say this: too bad the UK will not be doing to Brady what the US did to Bundy. Yes, I am in the pro death penalty camp lol!
Take care,
Kevin
That is an interesting topic. Death is certainly a more civilized alternative to lifelong imprisonment. It seems remarkable that authorities go to such lengths to prevent the death of its prisoners… simply to have them endure longer in captivity.
Of course it is only the lowly offenders who run such risks. More influential men can kill millions with the stroke of a pen, free of any personal risk.
Death Penalty for these people, yes. And don’t waste tax payers’ money by keeping them off the table for 20 years. Why should we?
Yes, may we keep the DP as an effective tool of our justice department. Can I get an Amen? lol!
I think in the coming decades we will learn that psychopathy is a brain problem. That something is missing there. Or that predilections toward murderous impulses can be expanded with constant exposure to images and words about killing, torture and dismemberment when associated close to images about sex. Ted Bundy always blamed his activities on pornography and in this one instance I suspect he was being honest.
Yes, there is more to learn about the brain and the when it comes to violence and murder. However, I also believe in the concept of evil, and the work of a dark spiritual world that most folks don’t know anything about. Yes, as you might be guessing, I’m referring to the work of the demonic, and occasionally I’ll do radio shows or podcasts discussing the reality of the demonic, and discussing demonology in general.
Now, as to Bundy blaming pornography for what he became, I will say this: From a relatively early age Bundy mixed his sexual fantasies with violence, and it’s something he enjoyed doing very much. Was it normal? No. Most young people who view porno end up (and I can testify to this truth lol!) wanting to have sex with women, and that’s it. So it isn’t that Ted Bundy had a sex-viewing problem. He had a violence towards women problem. Believe me, viewing pornography will not cause one to want to bash women in the head with crowbars, have sex with them as they strangle them from behind, have sex again with their dead bodies; and oh yes, cut their heads off son they can have oral sex with them at home. Porno just doesn’t have the power to to this – it doesn’t plant a necrophilia seed that will spring up later. No, it just doesn’t work this way. What caused Bundy to be Bundy started earlier in his life, long before he viewed porno, and occasionally he’d exhibit strange things that would be witnessed by family members. And whatever that was, I believe it was the genesis of Ted’s later homicidal problems. So Bundy’s statement was actual BS, in my opinion.
Bundy most certainly did Not blame porn about who and what he was and he absolutely said this in one of the interviews done by Hagmaier. He only said it was a gateway so to speak and that’s all. He absolutely said it was him completely. The interview with Dobson was completely taken out of context to the points Bundy made and Dobson used this to his advantage to back up his religious beliefs regarding porn which was gross and false.
Hi JR…
I think the difference between Hagmaier’s talks with Bundy (private conversations with someone Bundy considered a true friend), and Dobson’s “Let’s invite the world to listen”, is that there was a lot of honesty missing from the Dobson interview. It was clear to me and millions of other who watched it, including his former attorney’s, Bundy was clearly blaming viewing naked women in magazines as the elixir that led him into violence and murder. Bundy also mentioned on tape (I can’t remember if this was with Keppel or whomever) that he would see women out on the street and (I’m paraphrasing here which means I’m amplifying what he really meant), looking at their shape and how good they looked, and how they were dressed, that it was this that sparked his desire to harm them. Now, with a normal male, this would translate into wanting to have sex with them but not commit murder. So Bundy even bringing up porno was absurd and an attempt to make himself look better to a world that saw him for what he was.
Thanks for your comment.
Hi Kevin –
I’ve read about half of the “main” Bundy books and your trilogy (I’ve read the first two, with the third on order) are the most authoritative and complete.
Two questions about assertions made in other texts on him with which you are no doubt familiar:
1. Ressler asserts that Bundy concealed his crowbar in his fake cast/injury materials at times. This seems absurd and impractical. Did you ever hear of this from a reliable source? In the rear passenger wheel well on top of the tire has always seemed more practical when he led victims to his VW.
2. Either Ressler or Bundy’s WA public defender asserted that Bundy took Campbell to a room of some sort at the Wildwood Inn during attack on her to subdue her. What is your thought on this?
Hi Chris,
First, thanks for the good words about my books! And I’m sure you’ll enjoy The Bundy Secrets just as much as my other two books on the case. 🙂
Now, I have never found Ressler’s claim to be accurate about the crowbar. There is absolutely nothing in the record I’ve found that could substantiate it. We know from Bundy’s own words, that he hid the crowbar behind the rear right wheel of his VW, and when Georgann Hawkins wasn’t looking, he picked it up and bashed her in the head. Can you imagine him fumbling with it trying to get it out of its hiding place in a cast or sling? lol!
No, Bundy did not obtain a room at the Wildwood Inn. I’ve heard that absurd claim before, and I can hardly stifle a laugh when I hear it. Bundy, under some ruse, got Caryn to follow him, and once at the car, no doubt whacked her in the head. But however he gained control over her, he did it by ruse, and he didn’t take her to a room at the inn. Laughable.
Say, Chris, if you haven’t already done so, could you leave a brief review on Amazon for the first two books? And an additional brief review of The Bundy Secrets would be great too. Thanks pal!
Kevin
P.S. always feel free to ask any other questions that come to mind, and I’ll get back with you ASAP.
I was once told by a Ass. DA in Tally that Bundy’s Navy PeaCoat was pulled off the steam press at Big Bend Cleaners by investigators just as it was about to be cleaned. That they had found a Big Bend Cleaners Claim Tag on him after his arrest. I think the coat was later found to have Kim Leach’s hair on it.
Every heard that one?
Hey Curtis.
I don’t believe I’ve heard that one, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I finished The Bundy Murders (my main Bundy book) in the summer of 2008, so it is possible I’ve forgotten that little tidbit.
Thanks for the contact! 🙂
Dear Kevin,
I really loved your first two books. I listened to the audio versions. Does no one want to speculate or do they really have no idea who the Boise Hitchhiker was.
Lastly when do anticipate the audio version of “Secrets” to be released and will Kevin Pearce Narrate. Thanks Mark
Hi Mark,
First, thanks for the good words about my books!
No, we don’t know who the Idaho hitchhiker was. All we have is what Bundy told the Idaho investigators. Now, when I interviewed Russ Reneau during my research for my first book, he said that he isn’t sure there was an Idaho hitchhiker; that Bundy may have been lying about it, as he didn’t seem to know much about her, while he knew plenty about Lynette Culver who was also murdered by Bundy in that state. Well, be that as it may, I do choose to believe what Bundy says to be true, as I see no reason for Bundy to make up a story, when he had plenty of real stories to talk about. And there’s certainly nothing in the record to indicate he’s lying, but every reason to believe he’s telling the truth.
As to speculation concerning the girl’s real identity, who can say? That subsequent investigations couldn’t come up with any missing girls in the surrounding states means nothing. Plenty of people fall through the “cracks”. as it were, so her identity may never be known. And while it’s a bit of a mystery, as far as I’m concerned, Bundy did in fact pick her up (and then killed her), exactly as it has been described in his confession to the Idaho investigators.
Take care,
Kevin
Hi,
I am finishing up this new book and am enjoying it, even though I feel a little strange about enjoying a book on Bundy.
I know you are not planning on writing another, but am interested to know any details you might have about Bundy’s cousin John. There is little out there and it has been written that he was not cooperative when questioned.
From my own research I know he has changed his last name, but he was easy to find and he has moved from Washington.
Hi Eve,
First, thanks for the kind words about my new book! And yes, it’s okay to enjoy the book, as it’s enjoyable whenever you gain knowledge in subjects you’re interested in. That’s a good thing. 🙂
As for the whereabouts of Bundy’s cousin John, or any particulars about him (outside of the record, of course) I have no idea. I never tried to locate him during any of my research periods for the three books I’ve written on the case. I wish I had more info for you. Eve. Sorry.
And no, there won’t be a fourth book. Three is more than enough, lol!
Take care,
Kevin
Hi Eve,
I can’t remember if I answered this before (lol!), and it just didn’t take, or something else happened. Nevertheless, I don’t have any info on John. He does show up in the records contained in my new book, The Bundy Secrets, but that’s all I have for you. Thanks for your question, Eve. 🙂
Hey Kevin,
We’ve chatted before. Hope you’re well. Yeah, one thing I’ve
always wondered about is how much Bundy tortured the girls before he killed them? We know in many cases that he knocked them out and sometimes to death before playing with their bodies. If they were still alive but unconscious he apparently enjoyed strangling them from this condition. But what of those that were in the car and handcuffed but conscious? We know he attempted to handcuff Carol
DaRonch first before any blows. We know he had an awake Georgann Hawkins in the car too. He said that he murdered them quickly but we know he was a pathological liar. He had hours in the woods with many of them.
We also know he took photos of them, perhaps in conscious positions of fear? He seems to have had that last poor girl for some time before her demise. It’s not like he cared an iota about their suffering.
Anyway, I know it’s pure speculation but I wondered what you
think about this? At least for those that might not have been knocked out and murdered immediately…
Hey Mr.B,
That’s an excellent question, and one I believe I can answer. From everything that we know about Ted Bundy, I believe he sometimes (and I emphasize sometimes) enjoyed psychologically torturing women. I think he “got off” doing this. That said, I can’t fined anything that shows he liked to physically torture them. Plenty on the psychological end: how he killed Julie Cunningham, as described in my book, The Bundy Murders (this was never-before published info, btw); his purposeful decision to keep Janice Ott alive all day, so that she could see the arrival of Denise Naslund, only to kill one in front of the other! Can you imagine the terror in the one watching it, knowing they’re next?!!!
It is also of interest to note, that sometimes, because of the predatory nature of Bundy and how he wanted t express it (the Georgann Hawkins case is a good example), he didn’t want them awake at all after he crashed the tire iron into their heads. He wanted them alive but unconscious. That’s because he wanted his “private” moments with them; so much so, that he didn’t want to give them a verbal command; didn’t want them to try and speak to him; he did not want to be distracted by them or anything else for that matter. So there were different ways in which Bundy wanted to commit murder, and he often switched them according to what he was feeling at the moment.
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Firstly, I’d like to let you know how much I enjoyed your first two books: The Bundy Murders and The Trail of Ted bundy. I am planning on ordering your third book this weekend and really looking forward to reading it.
Just a quick question though about Julie Cunningham. How did you find out that he let her escape and then chased her down? Is this something he later told detectives and if so, I find it surprising he would admit to such a brutal action.
I have further questions I’d like to ask you regarding your thoughts on Bundy’s psychopathy, but there is not really enough space here. If you have an e-mail address and are interested, I can try to express my thoughts as I find this aspect of his charachter fascinating.
Looking forward to hearing back from you!
Cheers,
Martin
Hi Martin,
First, thanks for the good words about my Bundy books! Good words are always welcome. 🙂
Yes, that story about Bundy allowing her to escape came directly from Bundy and was told to the Colorado investigator, Mike Fisher, and he told me. Not only did Fisher interview him in person right at the end, but they had either one or two phone conversations just prior to that last meeting as well.
The publisher provided me with your email so I’ll contact you. And, after I receive your email, I’ll get back with you as soon as I can.
Thanks for the contact!
Kevin
Yes, thanks Kevin. I essentiallly agree with you here. It seems he may have gone thru a period where he wanted to psychologically torture them but morphed for the most part in just wanting the body to perform his perversions. I assume and hope all mutilations were post mortem.
Do we in fact know that Ott witnessed the demise of Naslund? I’ve heard various stories and of course I think Bundy had his usual variety of lies here. If so, I’ve always wondered where he kept them? There are stories of a shed and so forth. A horrible thing if in fact true. And yes, I’ve read all of your books. Well done. I sometimes confuse details though as I’ve read all the
Bundy books…..
Oh,on a related but odd note, and I apologize as I think you’ve indicated you don’t like to talk about other cons but I find the following intriguing. Gerard Schaefer was caught essentially after tying up two girls, this story apparently made it to Detective magazines which Bundy read. There’s a rather
disturbing youtube video of Schaeffer discussing this and claiming Bundy did this(Lake Sam) as a tribute to him. He also claims Bundy couldn’t stand it when Schaeffer claimed his numbers were higher than his. There are stories that Schaeffer
treated Bundy like a supplicant and acolyte. I wonder how Bundy responded to this? as I think they suffered from the same malignant narcissism and/or psychopathy…Whatever the case, I do think it likely that Bundy got this idea from the article in the Detective mag..
As to the Naslund/Ott thing where I say he killed one in front of the other: That is taken from the Time Life book on serial killers, and the chapter talks about how Bundy confirmed a long-held suspicion by investigators that he may have done this. And I believe Hagmaier said the same thing to me back in 2007 or 2008 when we were having phone conversations. Anyway, it’s no doubt true.
I do know what Schaeffer said about Bundy, but I’m not buying it. Oh, it’s possible that Bundy may have read about his double abduction,but it’s absurd in my view that he did that as a tribute to Schaeffer. Schaeffer, in doing this reminds me of a jealous school boy needing to feel superior. If anything, he probably felt beneath Bundy in many regards. So I have never found any of his pronouncements in these areas credible. As for Bundy and murder: It was all about him. And everything he did while committing murder he did for himself. It wasn’t about being in competition with anybody. It was about him and his victims. Also, that “tribute” business come from fictional accounts like the movie, Manhunter, based on the book Red Dragon. Serial killers, for the most part, are not moving in such streams of thought. They’re driven by far more personal reasons to kill.
Take care,
Kevin
Well said Kevin. I expect you’re right about Schaeffer. When I see him speak I see insanity that isn’t as obvious in Bundy, that’s perhaps why he fascinates many (Bundy), he can seem so regular Joe. Anyway, I appreciate being able to chat with someone with so much knowledge of original sources. I promise I won’t bother you too much more.. just a few more technical questions and your opinion. And yes, I don’t mind your speculations as I realize many details are unknown.
I always found it difficult to believe a 23 year old nurse would accompany a strange man without a coat at a ski resort several hundred yards to his car. I understand the idea of a ruse but if the female witness can be believed, she saw Bundy, coatless and not looking anything like a skier, and without crutches or an obvious ruse. Perhaps he had one but I wonder if, in the foggy conditions of the 2nd floor breezeway, perhaps he had his trusty crowbar stationed somewhere and whacked the poor woman as they walked together. It wouldn’t be the first time he carried a woman off with the possibility of being witnessed. But in those conditions, one could also see how it could go unnoticed. Anyway, a thought, interested in your take.
Another technicality. When he abducted the girl at Bountiful,it seems he may have surprised her, she screamed, attacked with the crowbar and threw her in the car. Now they make note that the DaRonch handcuff key was found in the parking lot. It makes one wonder if he had another pair of cuffs and/or why the key was left behind. It may have just fallen from his pocket or something. If he didn’t have cuffs he may have increased the beating to ensure she didn’t awake. I suppose he may have tied her up with ropes or plastic ties. It probably doesn’t mean much but the dropped key seems to offer a clue to the abduction somehow, just not sure what, maybe I’ve read and watched too many Sherlock Holmes tales…
I’ll let you off with those for now. Again, I appreciate your responses but no hurry. I know all the world is busy….
Personally, I don’t think he hit Caryn while on the second floor of the open walkway, and here’s why: He had but two ways to get her to his car, the outside stairway (I have a pic of these stairs in the Ted Bundy picture gallery here at WildBlue Press), or the elevator. Now, I’m sure, not even Bundy would have taken the chance of carrying Caryn down those outside stairs as it was used frequently by guests coming from or going to the parking lot. The same goes for the elevator. There were just too many people around. And while the fog on the second floor walkway helped Bundy do his deed of leading her away, there was no such fog on the stairs or in the elevator. It had to be accomplished through a ruse. Perhaps a police officer’s badge, or something that was presented to her where she felt she could help him quickly and be on her way.
As far as the key being found, I have always believed it simply came out of Bundy’s pocket when he was leaving the school and trying to catch up with Debi Kent. Who knows how he lost it, but that’s what happened. Yes, he may not have needed to tie Kent up, or he could have used something other than cuffs. It’s all speculation and we’ll never know the truth.
See ya.
Makes good sense Kevin. I expect a badge the most likely explanation for a guy looking out of place. Nothing else for now. I’ll go browse the other pages….
Hello Kevin,
The Bundy Secrets is every bit as enjoyable as your other works.
I see in the comments above that you assess Ted as having been too cautious to have attempted a black bag style abduction at a busy resort. He used various ruses at times – no question. Other times he was reckless and daring. His degree of sophistication seems dependent on his mood/need. Particularly if frustrated in an earlier attempt or coming off a period of “abstinence”.
Have you come across the name Dr. Paul Dawson in your Bundy research? I ask as I’ve purchased and read a book by this man. He claims to have interviewed Ted on death row… quite extensively. This man and his lousy work may be the most wretched fraud I’ve encountered in my research.
Regards
Hi Sam,
I have seen Dawson’s various books being sold on Amazon, including his one on Bundy, but no, I haven’t read any. I have learned that he quotes from my book, The Bundy Murders, but I have no idea what passages he’s using. I must admit, yours is not the first disparaging remark I’ve heard about it, but again, I have no idea what the man’s work is like. I’ll leave that to those who have read him lol!
Thanks for the contact, Sam. 🙂
I have information on Ted Bundy to give you! It’s regarding the murder of Ann Marie Burr, back in 1961 and Teds confession.
Feel free to post it here, Mark.
I just finished reading the third book of your trilogy, and although there were some issues with structure and an overall lack of editing, the content was really what I was interested in. I was a 14-year-old resident of Tallahassee when Ted visited the Chi Omega house, and from the moment my family heard the announcement in church the morning after (K. Chandler’s family belonged to the congregation) the town was seized with terror and paranoia.
Back then the public only knew what the press decided to tell us, and they did not tell the public much back then about what Ted really did to the women he killed. It was only years later that I learned about the necrophilia, the choking, and other gory details.
When reading this book, I had to put it down in horror quite a few times. For example, the credit card charges that Ted made fraudulently…. the J.Byron’s department store was in Northwood Mall, as was the Eckerds he shopped at. That mall was right next door to the middle school I attended (Raa Middle School). I was in the 8th grade at that time, and after school my best friend and I would always walk to the mall to hang out for a few hours before our parents got off work to pick us up. That privilege was something we “earned” for being in our last year of middle school.. It is terrifying to think that Ted might have been there when we were, both of us sporting our dark hair, parted in the middle, ambling through the large mall parking lot like we had all the time in the world. (I think Northwood Mall is now a suite of government offices, because even back then it always felt deserted, due to the new Tallahassee Mall opening up several blocks away.)
And the Tasty Pastry Bakery was in a shopping center adjacent to my old elementary school. It was called Timberline Elementary when I attended, but the name was later changed to Gilchrest Elementary after Principal Gilchrest retired (I think.).
Was Ted trolling for young victims? I guess he could have walked from his room near campus to the Northwoods Mall, but it would have been several miles away. And the Bakery was quite far from the FSU campus, So Ted would have had to have a car to shop there.
Some of the other places Ted frequented were rather upscale, such as Andrew’s 2nd Act and Clydes & Costellos, both places commonly frequented by politicians when legislature was in session, as they were just blocks away from the state capital.
And as an FSU student a few years later, I regularly visited The Phyrst, which was a campus bar that used to be Sherrod’s, next door to the Chi Omega house. The description that Carla Jean Black gave of how Ted was staring at her in Sherrod’s gave me chills, because the floor plan (and dark places) were easy to imagine as familiar locations inside The Phyrst. (The bar no longer exists after campus renovations.)
One of my friends was a member of Chi Omega, and during one holiday break when the sorority house was virtually empty, we went inside the house after leaving The Phyrst one night so she could give me a tour. I remember reading in the Tallahassee Democrat that on the night of Ted’s murder spree, the club that he used to bludgeon the girls had been used to prop open the back door, so it was super eerie for me to walk in through that same door, which had been reinforced with a bolted-on metal strip to prevent someone from kicking it in.
The bedroom doors were all closed, but I remember the terror of walking past the rooms upstairs, before walking down the main staircase to the foyer. My friend didn’t grow up in Tallahassee, so she wasn’t that aware of the murders. She said the sorority never discussed it. She seemed more nervous about pointing out the door to some sort of secret sorority room that they used in their meeting rituals, saying she could never let me even peek inside that room since I wasn’t a member of the sorority. The house has been extensively renovated now, but it is still located just outside of the main gates of the university and Westcott fountain, a prime position for any greek organization.
I don’t think you discussed it in your books, but the FSU track club used to practice on campus, with bleachers next to the track where friends or onlookers would sit in the shade to study or eat lunch. That is where Ted did a bit of his thievery, because the track team would just leave their bookbags and belongings on the bleachers while they trained. When Ted was arrested in Pensacola, he was carrying the ID of a rather prominent track star who was about to graduate and start his career. When it was erroneously announced that he had been arrested for the Chi Omega murders, it ruined his life for quite some time. I think he was engaged and the girl left him, and he also lost the job he had lined up after graduation. That’s just what I remember from reading the paper though.
As you know, it’s not easy to find this information, since it happened before we even dreamed of the internet or cellphone cameras. Some people would think it is weird for me to say I enjoyed reading your books, but because it is a link to an experience I grew up with, I feel connected to the story and appreciate the information. I have had a few nightmares while reading this one, not gonna lie……
Also: I didn’t see this discussed in your books, but when Ted was representing himself, each time a jury was seated (and then eventually released for a postponement) the bailiff would call role, and Ted would stare at each juror as they raised their hand to say “here”. I know of someone who experienced this and hesitated to raise their hand, causing the bailiff to call their name out twice. This person said one side of Ted’s mouth turned up in a smirk when he saw how scared the juror was. CHILLING.
Hi Lisa!
First, a word about structure and editing: Having read my Bundy books, you know that The Bundy Murders is the full bio of the killer, and a full treatment of the murders. My next two Bundy books are companion volumes to the main book. The Trail of Ted Bundy, has many new interviews, plus lots of new info from various aspects of the record, along with personal correspondence I’ve received from those who were involved in the case, etc. However, for The Bundy Secrets, I chose to publish a good portion of the official record, with additional commentary from me; along with additional new interviews. But what you might not be aware of is this: Because The Bundy Secrets is a re-publication of various parts of the official record, I went out of my way NOT to edit the raw case files, as I believed leaving it alone actually added to the authenticity of it. The only time I corrected, is when I believed it absolutely necessary for clarity. So , while I’m not sure what you are referring to, I thought this might be it.
Yes, being around those places (like when you walked through the sorority house), certainly can spark emotions because you’re aware of what happened there. It happens to me any time I’m around such locations. When I was at the Wildwood Inn, it was all about Ted Bundy and Caryn Campbell, and nothing more.
I didn’t know about the thefts from the track team, but I did know he was lifting money and credit cards from purses whenever he found them accessible, including at Strozier Library. Bundy was an accomplished thief, and he enjoyed the rush he got while doing it.
He didn’t actually prop the back door open with the log. He entered Chi Omega through an unlocked door, and he carried the log upstairs and assaulted the women. He then took that same log and carried it to the apartment of Cheryl Thomas and used it on her.
While in Tallahassee, Bundy didn’t have a car, but he did have keys made to the FSU van, and I remember when he took it east to Jacksonville, he stopped at a number of places and used the stolen credit cards. Also, he may have gotten some rides and and may even have taken a bus occasionally. Btw: Is CHEZ PIERRE still in business?
When I was there in 2008, finishing up The Bundy Murders, I visited Chi Omega and it was being renovated. They had doors of the classic 1970s design stacked in one place, while wood-work they’d removed was stacked in another. A perfect time to do it as everyone had gone home for the summer.
I wanted to ask you a question, so I’ll be emailing you shortly.
Thanks for the contact!
Kevin