Entertainment
A Faking It Special: Ted Bundy’s body language gave away his guilt as America’s worst serial killer, expert reveals
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Ted Bundy remains one of the world’s most infamous serial killers after he preyed on unsuspecting women throughout the 1970s.
More than three decades after his execution, Bundy still represents the epitome of the Hollywood psychopath.
The murderer preyed on unsuspecting women, luring them into his car before assaulting, killing, and dismembering them.
By the time he faced the electric chair in 1989, Bundy had confessed to 30 murders.
But to this day, experts estimate that the true number is much higher. Known for his good looks and charm, Bundy didn’t fit the stereotype of a serial killer at the time.
A new true crime documentary sees experts in body language, speech and forensic psychology examine US TV interview footage of Bundy from his jail cell in 1977, and highlight a cluster of three behaviours that ‘nail’ his guilt as a murderer while appearing on US TV, years before his conviction.
Ted Bundy: A Faking It Special highlights how Bundy enjoyment his notoriety led to his downfall, following his decision to invite TV crews into his prison cell to interview him.
It was during these interviews that body language experts and forensic psychologists claim he revealed the guilt he was trying to hide.
At the time of the interview, Bundy had only been convicted of kidnap and was awaiting his trial for murder.
Speaking to the interviewer, Bundy confidently proclaims that he expects to be cleared. But hidden amongst Bundy’s relaxed persona were clues to the sinister truth.
Analyzing the footage, body language expert Dr Cliff Lansley identifies three key micro-gestures that contradict Bundy’s claims of innocence and give him away as a killer.
“Number one, we get an eye closure, which distances ourselves from the words we’re using. Number two, we get a shoulder shrug from one side, and this is a partial expression – leakage – of the full expression of “I have no idea what I’m talking about,”‘ he starts. ‘But to nail this, we get a little head shake “no.” And when you’re saying something affirmative, but your body is leaking something in the negative, you can trust the body. Because most of these body signals are below consciousness.’
As Cliff continues, Bundy’s self-awareness is his undoing, as he chillingly stares down the camera lens.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘Now, Bundy’s emotional intelligence, or self-awareness, I judge to be high. What gives me that conclusion is that every time he makes these slips, which are below consciousness, maybe he knows he’s not convincing,’ he explains. ‘What gives us a clue is a few seconds further on we get this stare right down the camera lens. I think he knows he’s slipped up; this camera check is a semi-conscious check-in of his audience to see if he’s getting away with it.’
By laughing one question off, Bundy further incriminates himself, Cliff Lansley argues.
‘That laughter can give him two results. One is that it gives him breathing space, because we only need three or four seconds to think of two sentences; our minds work very quick. It could give him thinking space,’ he says. ‘But it also helps him with his report, and this charm where he can engage and influence others.’
As Cliff adds, Bundy continues to display micro-gestures indicative of deception.
‘When we see rapid blinks together, it gives us an indication that someone is thinking hard. Now, we call that cognitive load, and that’s exactly what we get here,’ he says. ‘And also, a little licking of the lips. So, we know he is experiencing emotional load.’
Despite representing himself at trial, Bundy was found guilty of carrying out the Florida State University killings, as well as the murder of Kimberley Leach, and handed three death sentences.
Shortly before his execution, Bundy confessed to 30 homicides, before meeting his end in the electric chair in Florida State Prison, on 24th January 1989.
While officials estimate the true number of Bundy’s victims to be much higher, Bundy took the secret to his grave.
Ted Bundy: A Faking It Special is available to stream exclusively on discovery+ from June 26.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Emotional trailer for Anthony Bourdain documentary Roadrunner drops three years after his death
MORE : Fred and Rose West documentary: How many did the pair kill?
