The Truth Behind Ted Bundy's Biological Father

The famous serial killer, Ted Bundy, has long been the subject of much speculation and intrigue regarding his biological father. It is now conclusively known that Lloyd Marshall, an Air Force veteran and Penn State graduate, was indeed the father. This article delves into the facts surrounding this crucial discovery and the circumstances that led to Ted Bundy being abandoned and adopted.

The Controversy and Speculation

Over the years, numerous theories and debates have surrounded Ted Bundy's father. The most significant revelation came from a DNA test conducted by Dorothy Lewis, who dedicated much of her career researching Ted Bundy. This test confirmed what she had long suspected: Ted's biological father was Lloyd Marshall, who abandoned Bundy's mother, Louise, after she became pregnant.

Historical documentation and first-hand accounts support this conclusion. Eleanor Cowell, Bundy's mother, had a complicated relationship with her husband, Samuel Cowell, and Louise, supposedly her sister. However, Eleanor's insistence on keeping Louise in Vermont while she returned to Pennsylvania added to the mystery.

The Unexpected Origins

The year 1946 saw the birth of Theodore Robert Cowell in Philadelphia, PA. However, his true father was Lloyd Marshall. The infant was abandoned by his biological parents and adopted by Eleanor Cowell and Samuel Cowell, his grandparents. This adoption took place after Louise stayed at the Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers in Burlington, Vermont, for four months.

The Story of the Elizabeth Lund Home

The Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers, located at 346 Shelburne Road in Burlington, Vermont, was a significant institution during this period. This home provided support and care for young women in unwed pregnancies. Louise was a resident there for four months before returning to Pennsylvania to leave the child for adoption.

The DNA Test and Confirmation

Dorothy Lewis conducted a covert DNA test on Ted Bundy, confirming the long-held theories. This test was based on a familial relationship established during her extensive research. Lloyd Marshall was confirmed as Ted's biological father after a meticulous examination of his DNA.

The Public Record and Census Data

The 1950 census records in Philadelphia PA reveal that Louise and Ted were listed as the children of Samuel and Elenore Cowell. However, this was not the truth. Ted's birth certificate initially listed his father as Samuel Cowell, but later, it was amended to reflect the truth discovered by Dorothy Lewis.

Here is an extracted portion of the 1950 census record:

The Adoption and Legal Records

Following the birth of the child, Samuel Cowell instructed the child to be retrieved from the Elizabeth Lund Home and brought back to Pennsylvania. Louise left the child at the home in Vermont and returned to her family. Ted was eventually adopted by Johnnie Culpeper Bundy, who was later revealed to be his biological father.

Legal Access to Adoption Records

Access to closed adoption records in Vermont is limited to court order. Despite this, historical documents, such as the original adoption certificate, still provide insight into Ted Bundy's early life and the circumstances surrounding his adoption.

According to Vermont's laws, the original birth certificate must be removed from the clerk's records when a new one is issued due to adoption. The birth certificate after adoption stated that Johnnie Culpeper Bundy was Ted's father, as seen in the copy provided.

Further Findings and Conclusion

The discovery of Ted Bundy's true biological father confirms the longstanding suspicions that tampered with adoption records were likely influenced by a family secret. Occam's Razor suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the truth, and in this case, it is now clear that Lloyd Marshall was the father, and the disgraceful act of domestic violence or a similar event led to the abandonment of Ted.

Ted Bundy's life was marked by deception, and his true origins challenge the established narratives. The DNA test and subsequent revelations have provided a clear and definitive answer to one of the most enduring mysteries surrounding Ted Bundy's past.