Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Theodore Robert Cowell |
| Birth Date | November 24, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers, Burlington, Vermont |
| Early Guardians | Raised by grandparents Samuel and Eleanor Cowell until age 3 |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, 1972 |
| Political Work | Volunteer for Nelson Rockefeller; Seattle Crime Prevention Advisory Committee member |
| Law School | Matriculated at University of Puget Sound Law; dropped out April 1974 |
| Daughter | Rose Bundy (born October 24, 1981), maintains a private profile |
Early Life
Ted Bundy’s childhood was secretive and deceptive. He was born Theodore Robert Cowell and thought his grandparents were his parents and his mother his sister for three years. He showed early signs of troubled behavior that foretold his disorder.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Grandparent Guardians | Samuel and Eleanor Cowell presented themselves as parents in Roxborough to hide his illegitimacy |
| Mother’s Marriage | Eleanor Louise Cowell married Johnny Culpepper Bundy in May 1951; Johnny legally adopted Theodore |
| Early Behaviors | Reports of animal cruelty, punji traps, and social withdrawal emerged during his elementary years |
| Identity Revelation | Discovered the truth of his parentage in 1969, reportedly fostering deep resentment toward his mother |
| Religious Upbringing | Raised Lutheran; later baptized LDS in August 1975, then excommunicated after 1976 conviction |
Education and Career
Bundy’s scholarly and political accomplishments contrasted with his crimes. Before law school, he excelled at UW and worked in crisis counseling. His popular demeanor hid a multi-state murder spree.
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1965–1968 | Studied Chinese and psychology at UW and University of Puget Sound |
| 1969–1972 | Graduated with honors in psychology; worked at Seattle Suicide Hotline Crisis Center |
| 1972–1973 | Volunteered on Nelson Rockefeller and Daniel J. Evans campaigns; advisory committee seat |
| Late 1973 | Enrolled at University of Puget Sound Law School; ceased attendance by April 1974 |
| Concurrent Murders | Used charm and crisis-center access to lure victims across Washington and beyond |
Financial Profile
He never had real money and was financially unstable as an adult. He lived above his means on odd jobs and political stipends. Numerous tales claim he stole to supplement money.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth Estimate | Effectively zero; no documented assets or savings |
| Income Sources | Crisis hotline stipend, political volunteering, occasional emergency services position |
| Debt Status | Routinely in debt; unpaid tuition and living expenses accumulated |
| Theft Allegations | Accused of stealing small valuables to fund travel and living costs during crime sprees |
Family and Descendants
The Bundy family includes his parents and children. His maternal relatives shaped his upbringing, and his daughter continues the tradition. His family receives little media exposure by design.
| Relative | Relation | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| Eleanor Louise Cowell | Mother | Single parent who concealed his origins; later remarried |
| Johnny Culpepper Bundy | Stepfather | Military cook who legally adopted Theodore in 1951 |
| Samuel Knecht Cowell | Grandfather | Known for violent temper; primary guardian early on |
| Edna Cowell Martin | Cousin | Author of Dark Tide, chronicling childhood recollections |
| Rose Bundy | Daughter | Born in 1981; maintains privacy; rarely appears publicly |
FAQ
What does “Ted Bundy Kid” refer to?
His clandestine childhood and daughter Rose are included, spanning his early life and family legacy.
When and where was Ted Bundy born?
Born in Burlington, Vermont, at the Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers on November 24, 1946.
Did Ted Bundy have any children?
He had a daughter, Rose Bundy, on October 24, 1981, in prison.
What was Ted Bundy’s net worth?
Bundy was believed to be indebted and had no assets.
Who are the most notable relatives?
His grandparents Samuel and Eleanor Cowell affected his childhood, and cousin Edna Cowell Martin’s memoir was popular.
