Leach Trial Sentencing Audio; Feb. 12, 1980

“Your Honor had the opportunity to observe Ted Bundy for over a year and a half. He has been before you on numerous occasions, arguing points of law, and he has conducted himself in such a fashion that makes it inconceivable that he could have been the person who committed such terrible acts. The person you appointed me to represent and the person I have come to know could not have done what he has been convicted of, but, if the juries are correct, then the only logical and rational answer is that we are dealing with two or more personalities inside of one body. The very nature of the crimes of which he has been convicted is clear and convincing evidence that they were committed by a person with a diminished capacity to appreciate the criminality of such acts.

Your Honor is bound both legally and morally to fully explore this strong possibility. Imposing sentence now could only satisfy those who seek revenge and retribution. Certainly the death penalty is not going to be a deterrent to one who might be deranged enough to commit such similar acts. Your Honor has the authority to defer sentencing in order that the necessary psychiatric evaluations be made so that you can be fully informed of all the facets of Ted Bundy's personality, not just informed of the acts of which he has been convicted.

Perhaps, if what I am suggesting proves true, then maybe we can learn something that will ultimately benefit society. Would it not benefit all of us to learn how and why a human being from an ordinary, average background, one who's intelligent, articulate and normal from all outward appearances, could develop such a second personality to commit such acts? I cannot help but believe that the families of the victims would not be willing to give up their desire for retribution and society could benefit through the study of the other personalities which Ted Bundy must have, if these juries are correct. To sentence Ted Bundy to death today might preclude any opportunity to gain any insight which may help some tortured soul in the future and prevent this senseless loss of life…"

Listen to Bundy defense attorney Vic Africano as he pleads for more psychiatric evaluations in lieu of a death sentence. Prosecuting attorney George Dekle rebuts his arguments. This audio from the sentencing hearing also includes Bundy's monologue, indignant about being found guilty, and parts of Judge Jopling's reading of the sentence.