In 1969 Seattle, law student Ted Bundy crosses paths with Liz Kendall, a college student and single mother employed as a secretary. Their relationship starts with a playful moment as Ted plays a song on the jukebox, leading to an intimate home visit. The next morning, Liz is surprised to find Ted bonding with her daughter, Molly. As their romance develops, Ted becomes a figure in their lives, driving a distinctive Volkswagen Beetle.
However, the atmosphere darkens in 1974 as news breaks about the disappearance of several young women, including Janice Ott and Denise Naslund at Lake Sammamish. Witnesses claim a man resembling Ted, sporting a cast on his arm, had approached women for assistance with his sailboat. Following an arrest in 1975, Ted's possessions reveal unsettling items like trash bags, a crowbar, and ropes—setting the stage for a gripping courtroom drama.
Among those testifying against him is Carol DaRonch, who identifies Ted as her kidnapper during a police lineup. In a twist, Ted hires John O'Connell to represent him, who manages to lower his bail, allowing him to return to Liz—who is distraught after reading articles about Ted's criminal activities. Though engaged, the cracks in their relationship begin to show when Ted claims he is being setup, insisting that Carol was shown his photo before the lineup.
As Ted's legal troubles escalate, evidence mounts against him, including the trauma he faces from inmates due to his crimes. A detective, Mike Fisher, reaches out to both Ted and Liz to unearth the truth behind the murders. When Colorado charges him for the murder of Caryn Campbell, Liz struggles with her loyalty, though she continues to grapple with reality as Ted's situation worsens.
During the trial, Liz cannot bring herself to attend, and Ted's decision to represent himself grants him a brief period of freedom when he escapes from the courthouse, only to be recaptured. As the story twists and turns, Ted's violent escapes lead to further tragic events, including the brutal murders of sorority girls in Florida. With each incident, he becomes more of a figure of fascination—capturing the attention of several women, including Carole Ann Boone, who believes in his innocence.
Despite various plea bargains and mounting physical evidence—a match between his teeth and bite marks on victims—Ted continues to deny his guilt, even as he and Carole Ann grow closer and marry while he remains incarcerated. The courtroom sees swift justice, as the jury hands down multiple life sentences and a death penalty ruling, promptly imposing execution by electrocution.
In the ensuing years, Liz receives a disturbing letter from Ted, compelling her to confront him directly. When she finally visits the prison, a chilling admission comes to light as he recounts horrifying details of his actions—leading to a vengeful acknowledgment of his crimes.
As the film concludes, we absorb haunting images—archival footage reveals Ted's execution in January 1989, along with the somber recounting of his victims. Ultimately, Liz and Molly continue their lives in Washington State, while Ted's legacy of horror leaves a grim mark. The final moments feature images of the emotional toll the case wielded over Liz, showcasing the enduring scars from a love affair tainted by darkness and despair.
