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In 1974, Ted Bundy’s killing spree began to take shape in Washington and Oregon, marking the emergence of one of the most calculated and manipulative serial killers in American history. During this period, Bundy refined a method that relied heavily on deception rather than force, allowing him to approach victims in public without raising suspicion. His ability to appear harmless—often posing as injured or in need of help—enabled him to exploit social trust. These early crimes established the behavioral blueprint that would define his multi-state killing spree.
Bundy typically approached victims in public places such as parks, campuses, or residential areas. After gaining their trust, he would lure them to his vehicle and transport them to secondary locations. There, he assaulted and murdered them, often returning later to the bodies—indicating a need for control that extended beyond the act itself.
Law enforcement began compiling witness reports and identifying patterns, but coordination between jurisdictions was limited. Sketches of the suspect were circulated, and Bundy’s name even surfaced in tips. However, the lack of centralized databases and communication delays allowed him to continue operating undetected.