The Last Murder: The Investigation, Prosecution, and Execution of Ted Bundy

by George R. Dekle

The Last Murder: The Investigation, Prosecution, and Execution of Ted Bundy follows the facts and circumstances of Kim Leach's disappearance and the investigation and prosecution of Ted Bundy in rough chronological order, from Bundy's escape from a Colorado jail in 1977 to his execution at Florida State Prison in 1989. It provides an inside look at the intricacies and complications of this historic case that spanned many states and jurisdictions, documenting how unselfishness and dogged determination were key to solving the case.

The story is told from the vantage point of one intimately involved in both the investigation and prosecution of the criminal, clearly showing how friction between agencies can impede the investigation and how cooperation can expedite a solution. The book emphasizes the important role played by circumstantial evidence and forensic science, explores the impact of pervasive publicity upon such an investigation, critiques the investigation and prosecution of Bundy, and offers suggestions on how, and how not to, deal with celebrity killers in the future.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Memoir

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 2011

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be on the dry side and a bit perfunctory. I read it looking for new revelations about Ted Bundy that I hadn't heard before. There were a few and I suppose that was worth the price of admission. I think this book would be much more interesting to a lawyer who is enthralled by the discussion of motions and case building. The author clearly loathed Bundy, which makes this book something of a paradox. Ted Bundy is a terrible, pathetic guy...and I want to profit off my connection to him.

[Bill reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Dekle was one of the prosecutors of Ted Bundy for his murder of Kimberly Leach. It followed his earlier conviction for the infamous Chi Omega slaughters at Florida State University. Teddy had become a rock star as he acted as his own defense lawyer in front of a worldwide TV audience.
Unfortunately, the book is filled with legal mumbo jumbo and a seemingly endless section on jury selection and change of venue. Very little information is given on the main subject. Dekle had many interactions with the killer but only informs us that he was quite articulate and witty in person. He was also impressed with the motions filed by the amateur attorney, some of the most well written that he had ever seen.
This is my twentieth book on Theodore and it is not one of the better ones.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great, enlightening read about how they got from a missing child case with no clues to the conviction and sentencing of one of America's least-admired men. The author tells you all kinds of interesting pieces of the story not covered in other books, including months and months of legal ups and down and all-arounds, without once putting the reader to sleep. He also gives you real insight into the way the defendant operated on a daily level, both before and after he was caught. This book is a real achievement and a very worthy addition to the Bundy library.

[Katherine Ramsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by an attorney with a fitful sense of story timing and no paragraph structure, but it adds good detail to an investigation that was eclipsed by a more sensational one in the same state.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written from a lawyer’s perspective, and does contain quite a lot of technical terminology. That being said, it isn’t too hard to keep track of everything. Because of the nature of the perspective, the reading can be just a bit dry at times, however, it is a totally fresh take on Bundy and contains a lot of information that you won’t find anywhere else. It is very well researched and provides a complete set of endnotes.
My only real complaint was the price of this book. Amazon had it for $38, but has been out of stock for months, so I had to order from AbeBooks and paid $64. It’s a relatively small book for the price.

[Kimothy M. Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Criminal Procedure Manual

Although I still believe it to be quiet pricey, I have to admit the content is excellent, especially when it comes to step by step legal maneuvering and strategy in criminal law. Any law student interested in criminal prosecution or criminal defense should read and learn. For the Bundy enthusiasts, the book will take you through the end of the journey for the prosecution and well deserved execution of one of the most heinous and sickening individuals to ever wall the Earth. A modern day monster that makes vampires and werewolves pale in comparison.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was an interesting take on the subject of Ted Bundy. Most books focus only on Bundy and his actions, while this book takes the reader through just how much work went into catching and persecuting him.

It's well researched, includes helpful visuals, and the information is presented clearly and concisely.

[Judy Tarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by one of the prosecutors of the Leach case, this book tells a lot about the investigation and this of this case in particular, which is one of the most heartbreaking and memorable victims because she was only twelve years old. A good addition to anyone’s bookshelf that is interested in Bundys case/s.

[Shylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard Professor Dekle speak at several different events and provide insight into the prosecution of Ted Bundy. This book is an expanded version of the lecture he gives and is appropriate not only for attorneys and law aficionados, but also lay people who are interested in the history of this case and the many prosecutorial efforts to put Bundy away. Dekle details police efforts, forensic evidence, the mundane administrative challenges which face a small prosecutor's office, and the sophisticated legal arguments used to keep Bundy at bay. It is evident that not only does Dekle love what he does, but he explains it well and gives wonderful context for how important the role of a prosecutor is, and how it is a noble profession, hearkening back to a time that attorneys were respected as those tasked with ensuring justice was done. I love this book, and have read it many times for inspiration when I am feeling a bit dispirited about my chosen career.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never been present for a murder trial, but I imagine if I were I would find Dekle's evidence very well presented it is thorough and easy to understand. However, as a book, it’s a fairly dull read.