PROFILE OF A SERIAL KILLER

A. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
NAME: THEODORE ROBERT BUNDY
AGE: 42
SEX: MALE
CIVIL STATUS: MARRIED
NATIONALITY: AMERICAN
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: UNDERGRAD PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
B. MODUS OPERANDI/METHODS OF OPERATION: STRANGULATION OR
BLUDGEONED PERFORMING SEXUAL ACTS
NUMBER OF VICTIMS: 30 CONFESSED, 20 CONFIRMED

B. BACKGROUND
Bundy was born in Burlington, Vermont, on November 24, 1946. Bundy started life as his
mother's secret shame, as his illegitimate birth humiliated her deeply religious parents.
Louise delivered Ted at a home for unwed mothers in Vermont and later brought her son to
her parents in Philadelphia.
To hide the fact he was an illegitimate child, Bundy was raised as the adopted son of his
grandparents and was told that his mother was his sister. Eleanor moved with Bundy to
Tacoma, Washington, a few years later, and soon married his stepfather Johnnie.

From all appearances, Bundy grew up in a content, working-class family. He showed an

unusual interest in the macabre at an early age. Around the age of 3, he became fascinated
by knives. A shy but bright child, Bundy did well in school but not with his peers.
As a teenager, a darker side of his character started to emerge. Bundy liked to peer in other
people's windows and thought nothing of stealing things he wanted from other people.
C. PATHWAY TO CRIMINAL CAREER
 Bundy suffered from major mental health problems, which led to his criminal behavior.
He apparently confessed to his former lover, Elizabeth Kloepfer, that he couldn't control
a force or entity inside him.
 Bundy's traumatic childhood, a tragic breakup with his first girlfriend and his porn
addiction has all been considered by psychologists as influential factors.
D. THEORIES AND CAUSES

 Social Learning Theory - Based on his early life. Bundy was raised by his grandparents, who lied
to him and informed him that his mother was his sister, something he didn't actually know until
later in life.
 Strain Theory - Because one of the reasons he committed these crimes could be due to his
frustration with his guardians, and he specifically mentioned his addiction to pornography as the
motive he preceded on a killing and raping rampage.
 Neutralization Theory - He was able to remain his true self while defending his acts.

E.ANALYSIS/INSIGHT

 Theodore Bundy's case was well-known, and it disturbed Americans all throughout the
country. Cases like Bundy's, on the other hand, can provide insight into serial murderers'
thoughts and arguments. The case of Ted Bundy provided insight into how it may relate
into crime theories, as well as a clearer understanding as to why he did what he
performed.

References:
https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/ted-bundy