Did Ed Gein help to catch Ted Bundy, as seen in Netflix’s Monster?

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Ryan Murphy’s newest anthology series installment, *Monster: The Ed Gein Story*, explores the disturbing life and horrific crimes of serial killer Ed Gein, including murder and grave robbing.

The show’s final episode reveals a surprising link between the story of Ed Gein and Ted Bundy, another infamous American serial killer. Bundy was responsible for the murders of at least 30 women and young girls in the Pacific Northwest between 1974 and 1978.

Near the end of the Netflix series, Gein helps investigators with the Bundy case. He provides crucial details to the FBI – like the type of saw Bundy used and what kind of car he drove – which eventually helps them catch him.

The newest installment of the ‘Monster’ series has faced criticism for blurring the lines between truth and storytelling. This has led many viewers to question how accurately it portrays the link between Ed Gein and Ted Bundy. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Did Ed Gein help to catch Ted Bundy in real life?

Although Ed Gein was still alive when Ted Bundy’s crimes were happening, there’s no proof they ever knew each other, and the show’s depiction of a connection between them is made up.

The show subtly suggests the whole story takes place inside Gein’s mind. The creator intentionally mixes reality and fantasy to show how confused and delusional Gein is, and to represent his struggle with schizophrenia.

Ted Bundy was arrested in 1978 during a routine traffic stop, not because of any evidence found in his car or the tools he used, as the show implies. He was later linked to his crimes and given the death penalty.

Did Richard Speck share a Ted Bundy letter with Ed Gein in real life?

In the final episode, Birdman—who is also known as Richard Speck, another serial killer portrayed as admiring Gein—shows Gein a letter that Ted Bundy wrote to him.

So, Gein actually wrote to the FBI and gave them some crucial clues about the guy – his first name and the fact he drove a Volkswagen Beetle. It was a big break in the case, thanks to that letter!

Although the character Bundy sometimes used different versions of the name Theodore and drove a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, his connection to Ed Gein and Richard Speck was entirely fictional. The letter referencing them was created specifically for the show’s storyline.

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2025-10-08 18:45