Theodore Cowell began life on November 24, 1946, with his mother Louise, whom Cowell believed to be his sister, and his grandparents. His family was normal from the outside, but as all families, it had its struggles.

His grandmother suffered from depression and grandfather, from a violent temper. According to Cowell, he had a good relationship with him despite his rage. He soon left for Philadelphia at a young age changing his last name to Nelson. 

Cowell’s mother slowly became close to an army cook and got married in 1951. Cowell was upset and began to throw tantrums out of spite. Soon being adopted by his stepfather. Their relationship became intense.

Besides, Cowell still was cared for by his mother, physically, but soon after having children, her attention was divided. During this time he found out about the truth behind his birth and became angered by the lie.

Cowell was criticized for his speech impediment as a child by fellow classmates. He also lacked social skills and charm, which he later became well known for. Though, he had many close friends and was an average school student.

He had jobs throughout his teenage years such as being a Methodist Youth Fellowship’s vice president. During this time, he particularly saved his friend’s niece from a drowning incident.

However, soon, he became violent. Cowell would place stakes inside a hole then covering the trap. This harmed at least one girl. He also took mice from pet stores and played games with them, deciding to spare them or not.

Cowell began stealing ski equipment and spying on strangers.

Theodore Cowell’s or Ted Bundy’s first victim was in 1974. This led to 29 more confessed murders between 1974 and 1978. 

How could one innocent, mostly normal child, lead to such an awful serial killer?