Criminal logo

The Execution of Ted Bundy

Serial killer Ted Bundy murdered 30+ women. More than a decade later, the State of Florida executed him by electric chair.

By True Crime WriterPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 3 min read
2

Ted Bundy sat on Florida death row for nearly a decade when he was executed on January 24, 1989. Unlike any other execution in history, this became a celebration for Floridians and people across the world eager to bear witness to the execution of a monster.

Bundy killed at least 30 women in the 1970s, including 12-year-old Kimberly Leach. Convicted of three murders -including Leach’s, Bundy was sentenced to death row to pay for his crimes. Only on the eve of his execution would Bundy confess to the brutal murders committed all those years earlier.

Bundy sat down with TV Journalist Ted Keppel in what would be his last interview. For more than an hour, Bundy confessed to murder after murder. He provided locations of the bodies and blamed violence in media and pornography led to his destructive life.

Police later searched for remains in the area Bundy claimed he buried a victim's body but turned up nothing.

Bundy did not confess after some sort of come to Jesus meeting. Instead, he hoped to stall his execution and buy himself more time on this earth, a privilege vehemently denied to each of his victims The manipulative monster never felt remorse for the lives he took, only for his own life.

Promising to reveal more murders and more locations of victim’s bodies, Bundy pleaded for his life and a stay of execution. His manipulation did not work this time. His execution would go on as planned.

Crowds Gather Outside Florida State Prison

On January 23, as Bundy confessed to one final murder, a crowd of nearly 500 gathered outside the Florida State Prison. The crowds chanted “Die, Bundy, Die,” drank beer and shared conversation about the serial killer. Some members of the crowd held signs that read “Watch Ted Fry, See Ted Die!”.

A cookout planned the night before the execution included specials like the Bundy burger and electrified hot dogs.

The father of victim Kimberly Leach told reporters he hoped to see Bundy “well-done” after the execution.

K Leach

This crowd come to celebrate.

The Execution of Ted Bundy

Bundy denied a final meal so instead received a traditional meal tray. He spoke with his mother by phone twice, confessing to her that he did murder all those women of which accused, and many more. He was the monster she never imagined her precious son could be.

Supt. Tom Barton asked Bundy if he had any last words. His voice quivering with fear, his face as white as a ghost, Bundy said: “I’d like to give my love to my family and friends.”

The thick strap was pulled across Bundy’s mouth and chin. The metal skullcap was bolted on top of his head, its veil blocking the front of his face. Supt. Barton gave the executioner the go ahead.

The executioner pushed the button, sending 2,000 volts of electricity surging through Bundy’s body. His body tensed, his hands clenches, and a tiny puff of smoke rose from his right leg. One minute later, the executioner turned off the machine. Bundy’s body fell limp in the electric chair.

A paramedic rushed to the electric chair, placing his stethoscope on Bundy’s chest. He did not hear a heartbeat. A second doctor aimed a flashlight into his eyes looking for evidence of life.

Ted Bundy was dead at 7:16 a.m.

Crowds Outside Erupt in Cheer

Cheer erupted from the crowds outside.

A local radio station dedicated the song “Electric Avenue” to Bundy, playing it immediately after the announcement.

More than a decade after the brutal murders of more than 30+ victims, the women and their families finally got justice. Ted Bundy was dead and for the world, the news was everything they wanted to hear.

Crowds slowly dispersed. They packed their belongings, news stations and magazines prepared their story, and life went on with a little more comfort knowing that Ted Bundy no longer existed.

Ted Bundy Brain

After Ted Bundy’s execution, his brain was removed in the name of science. In the hopes that any glaring abnormalities could be found that indicated what caused such violent behavior, researchers examined the organ thoroughly.

Injuries to the brain have, indeed, been found by some researchers to cause criminality. In Bundy’s case, no such evidence was discovered.

guilty
2

About the Creator

True Crime Writer

The best of the worst true crime, history, strange and Unusual stories. Graphic material. Intended for a mature audience ONLY.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.