Ted Bundy is one of the most infamous serial killers of all time, as well as one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Bundy was known to have murdered around 30 women during his crime spree. However, the full count of his victims is thought to be a lot higher.
Bundy’s murders have been documented thoroughly, making him a particularly high-profile serial killer. There is a strong fascination with him due to the contradicting nature of his personality with his crimes. The murders he committed were brutal, vicious, and cruel. However, those who knew Bundy thought him to be charming, suave, and incredibly intelligent.
This article examines Bundy in a little more detail, specifically his IQ. Read on to discover the factors that might have affected Bundy’s IQ and how he used his intellect to commit his heinous crimes.
Ted Bundy’s IQ
Ted Bundy had an IQ of around 136. This is quite impressive and considered to be above average. However, it isn’t genius-level intellect. As a comparison, well-known genius Albert Einstein had an IQ thought to be anywhere between 160 and 190, though it’s never been completely confirmed. However, Bundy’s IQ is definitely above average.
What factors could have affected Ted Bundy’s IQ?
Multiple factors could have affected Ted Bundy’s IQ. These factors not only could have significantly influenced Bundy’s intelligence, but they also may have had an impact on his manipulation techniques.
Early life
Bundy was thought to have mostly had a normal childhood. However, it did have its complexities and traumas. Bundy’s familial relationships were particularly strenuous and unorthodox, as he grew up thinking that his grandparents were his parents and his mother was his sister. This was because the situation of his birth was considered taboo at the time, as he was born out of wedlock.
Some believe that this could have had an effect on Bundy, especially when it comes to his issues with attachments and his own identity. He also developed a resentment towards his mother, as she did not tell him who his real father was. He had to discover his father’s true identity for himself, which may have affected his opinion of women.
Education
Bundy was intelligent and a good student while in high school. He was somewhat socially awkward though, which might have had an effect on his aforementioned detachment. Despite his intelligence and impressive IQ, Bundy had feelings of inferiority among his peers.
In his college years, Bundy attended the University of Puget Sound before transferring to the University of Washington to study Chinese in 1966. After dropping out, he returned to his hometown of Vermont to find out more about his real parents. After that, he took some classes at Philadelphia’s Temple University before returning to the University of Washington.
When he returned, he majored in psychology rather than Chinese. This choice of major is particularly telling. He likely went on to put the knowledge he gained during this time into his criminal activities.
Mental health
Ted Bundy’s mental health has been scrutinized for decades, with many associating him with issues such as psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
The aforementioned issues with feelings of inadequacy and familial trauma are thought to have affected Bundy’s mental state.
Did Ted Bundy use his intelligence to enact his crimes?
Ted Bundy likely used his 136 IQ to get away with murder for as long as he could. He was a manipulative strategist when it came to luring in his victims. He often pretended to be hurt, even using props such as slings or crutches to sell his story.
Bundy also pretended to be a police officer sometimes to appeal to his victims and make them feel safe. This kind of strategic manipulation was only successful because of Bundy’s acting skills and high intelligence.
Even when Bundy was caught for his crimes, he continued to use his intelligence to escape custody. Bundy escaped twice while in custody. He first jumped from a window when in Colorado. His second attempt was more cunning. When in custody in Glenwood Springs, he cut a hole in the ceiling of his jail cell and pulled himself up before shimmying through the pipes.
Ted Bundy certainly used his intellect to enact his crimes, but he also used his smarts in his escape attempts. Had he not been captured, there is no doubt he would have continued to use his intelligence to keep committing heinous murders.
