The History
By January 1978, Ted Bundy was already one of America's most wanted fugitives. He had escaped from custody in Colorado in December 1977 and made his way to Tallahassee, Florida, where he rented a room near the Florida State University campus under a false name. Having killed dozens of women across Washington, Utah, and Colorado, Bundy was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
The Chi Omega sorority house at 661 West Jefferson Street was a typical college sorority house on the FSU campus. On the night of January 14-15, 1978, many of the sorority sisters were out at a nearby dance club called Sherrod's. Bundy was there too, watching.
The Attack
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on January 15, Bundy entered the Chi Omega house through a rear door that had been left unlocked. Armed with a log from a woodpile, he moved through the darkened house with terrifying efficiency, attacking four women in their beds within approximately 15 minutes.
Lisa Levy, 20, and Margaret Bowman, 21, were beaten and strangled to death. Karen Chandler and Kathy Kleiner were severely injured but survived. Bundy then left the sorority house and attacked another FSU student, Cheryl Thomas, in her apartment a few blocks away. She survived but suffered permanent hearing loss.
Nita Neary, a Chi Omega sister returning home that night, saw a man in a blue cap leaving through the front door clutching a log. Her eyewitness testimony would later be crucial at trial.
Key Facts
Bite Mark Evidence
The Chi Omega case was the first major trial to use bite mark evidence for conviction. Bundy had left distinctive bite marks on victim Lisa Levy that matched his dental records.
The Capture
Bundy was arrested on February 15, 1978, during a traffic stop in Pensacola. He fought the arresting officer before being subdued. It was the last time he would be free.
The Trial
Bundy's 1979 trial was the first in American history to be nationally televised. He served as his own attorney and was convicted on all counts. He was executed on January 24, 1989.
What's There Now
Chi Omega Today
Address: 661 West Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL (Florida State University campus)
Status: The building still stands and continues to operate as an active Chi Omega sorority chapter house.
Note: This is a private residence and active sorority house. It is not open to the public. Please be respectful of current residents and do not trespass on the property.
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