Making History Come Alive Newsletter The "Son of Sam" is the nickname given to David Berkowitz, an American serial killer who terrorized New York City in the late 1970s.

His crimes garnered significant media attention and became one of the most notorious cases in U.S. criminal history.

Background

- Early Life: David Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He was adopted shortly after birth by a Jewish couple, Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz. He had a troubled childhood, feeling abandoned and struggling with feelings of inadequacy.

- Military Service: Berkowitz served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974. After returning to civilian life, he became increasingly troubled and began exhibiting signs of mental health issues.

The Crimes

- Murders: Berkowitz began his killing spree in the summer of 1976. He shot and killed six people and wounded several others over a period of approximately one year. His victims were primarily young couples parked in cars at night.

- Modus Operandi: Berkowitz used a .44 caliber revolver in his attacks, earning him the nickname "The .44 Caliber Killer" before the media later dubbed him the "Son of Sam."

- Letters to the Police: Berkowitz sent letters to police and the media, taunting them and providing details about his crimes. One of the letters signed "Son of Sam" claimed that he was commanded to kill by a demon that had taken the form of a dog owned by a neighbor.

Capture and Trial

- Arrest: Berkowitz was arrested on August 10, 1977, after police obtained a parking ticket that linked him to the scene of one of the shootings. He was quickly identified as the primary suspect.

- Confession: Berkowitz confessed to the murders and claimed that he had been driven to kill by voices he believed were coming from a dog. His mental health became a significant topic during his trial.

- Sentencing: In June 1978, Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each murder, totaling 365 years. He was initially sentenced to death, but the death penalty was declared unconstitutional in New York, leading to his life sentences.

Later Life

- Prison Life: While in prison, Berkowitz underwent a transformation, claiming to have found religion and repented for his crimes.