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BERKOWITZ David Richard

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Also search for: "Son of Sam" – news · books · scholar · JSTOR
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“ Eventually I crossed that invisible line of no return. After years of mental torment, behavioral problems, deep inner struggles and my own rebellious ways, I became the criminal that, at the time, it seemed as if it was my destiny to become. „

Biography[]

David Richard Berkowitz (born Richard David Falco), also known as the Son of Sam and the .44 Caliber Killer, is an American serial killer who pleaded guilty to eight shootings that began in New York City on July 29, 1976.[1]

Early life[]

David Berkowitz was born on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz, he grew up in the Bronx. Described as a troubled child[citation needed], Berkowitz displayed behavioral issues. His adoptive mother passed away when he was 14.

Military Service and Criminal Record[]

David Berkowitz4

Berkowitz in the U.S. Army

After high school, Berkowitz joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a sharpshooter. However, his military career was marred by disciplinary problems, leading to his discharge in 1974. Berkowitz's criminal record began to accumulate with arrests for petty crimes.

Son of Sam Killings[]

Between 1976 and 1977, New York City was gripped by fear as a serial killer, later dubbed the "Son of Sam," terrorized the city. Berkowitz was responsible for a series of shootings that left six people dead and several others injured. He targeted young couples parked in cars, using a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver.

Berkowitz sent a series of letters to the police and the media during the period of his crimes. Berkowitz's letters were notable for their taunting and cryptic nature, as he sought to communicate with law enforcement and the public. In some of these letters, he provided details about the shootings, claimed responsibility for the crimes, and left messages that contributed to the fear and hysteria surrounding the case. Berkowitz used various pseudonyms, including the "Son of Sam," in these letters.

Berkowitz's letters played a huge role in the investigation, and he, in May 1977, left a particularly significant letter at the scene of one of the crimes, addressing it to New York Daily News columnist Jimmy Breslin. In this letter, Berkowitz claimed responsibility for the shootings and mentioned his motivation, including references to a demon dog. The use of the nickname "Son of Sam" in the letter caught the attention of the media, and the press adopted the term to describe the unknown assailant.

Arrest and Confession[]

Berkowitz's reign of terror came to an end on August 10, 1977, when he was arrested. His capture followed a parking ticket issued near one of the crime scenes. During questioning, Berkowitz confessed to the shootings, claiming that his neighbor Sam Carr's dog, a black Labrador Retriever named Harvey, was possessed by a demonic entity and commanded him to commit the murders. The name "Son of Sam" was not explicitly linked to the dog, Harvey, but rather to Berkowitz himself.

It's important to note that Berkowitz's claims about the demonic dog were part of his complex and erratic narrative, and mental health professionals have diagnosed him with various mental disorders.

Legal Proceedings[]

In 1978, Berkowitz pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, receiving six consecutive life sentences. Despite initially claiming that he acted alone, he later suggested the existence of a Satanic cult involved in the crimes. Berkowitz's cooperation with authorities led to the cessation of the investigation, but his shifting narratives fueled various conspiracy theories.

Religious Conversion and Prison Life[]

During his incarceration, Berkowitz underwent a religious conversion to Christianity. He adopted the name "Son of Hope" and became an advocate for faith-based initiatives in prison. Despite his efforts to distance himself from his violent past, the gravity of the Son of Sam case continues to define Berkowitz's legacy.

Parole Denials[]

Berkowitz has been eligible for parole multiple times, but his applications have consistently been denied. He remains incarcerated, serving his life sentences, and has expressed remorse for his crimes.

David Berkowitz's case remains one of the most infamous in the history of American crime. The Son of Sam killings left an indelible mark on the public psyche, and Berkowitz's complex psychological and spiritual journey continues to captivate those interested in criminal psychology and the nature of evil.

Victims[]

Name Age Date of Death Location Cause of Death
Donna Lauria 18 July 29, 1976 Pelham Bay, the Bronx Shooting
Christine Freund 26 January 30, 1977 Forest Hill, Queens Shooting
Virginia Voskerichian 19 March 8, 1977 Exeter Street, Queens Shooting
Valentina Suriani 18 April 16, 1977 Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bronx Shooting
Alexander Esau 20 April 16, 1977[note 2] Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bronx Shooting
Stacy Moskowitz 20 July 31, 1977 Bath Beach, Brooklyn Shooting

Survivors[]

Name Age Date of Attack Location Notes
Unknown Hispanic female December 24, 1975 Co-Op City, The Bronx Stabbing from behind. Never reported, female survived.
Michelle Forman 15 December 24, 1975 Co-Op City, The Bronx Stabbing from behind.
Jody Valenti 19 July 29, 1976 Pelham Bay, the Bronx Shooting
Carl Denaro 20 October 23, 1976 Flushing, Queens Shooting
Rosemary Keenan 18 October 23, 1976 Flushing, Queens Shooting, but unwounded
Donna DeMasi 16 November 27, 1976 Bellerose, Queens Shooting
Joanne Lomino 18 November 27, 1976 Bellerose, Queens Shooting[note 3]
John Diel 30 January 30, 1977 Forest Hill, Queens Shooting, but unwounded
Sal Lupo 20 June 26, 1977 Bayside, Queens Shooting
Judy Placido 17 June 26, 1977 Bayside, Queens Shooting
Bobby Violante 20 July 31, 1977 Bath Beach, Brooklyn Shooting

Timeline[]

Date Age Event
June 1, 1953 0 David Berkowitz is born in Brooklyn, New York.
1974-1975 20-21 Berkowitz begins a series of arsons in New York City.
July 29, 1976 23 Berkowitz commits his first known shooting. He shoots Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti. Lauria dies from her injuries.
January 30, 1977 Berkowitz shoots Christine Freund and John Diel. Freund dies from her injuries.
March 8, 1977 Berkowitz shoots Virginia Voskerichian as she is walking home from school.
April 16, 1977 Berkowitz shoots Alexander Esau and Valentina Suriani. Both victims die from their injuries.
June 25, 1977 24 Berkowitz shoots Judy Placido and Salvatore Lupo. Both survive.
July 31, 1977 Berkowitz shoots Stacy Moskowitz and Robert Violante. Moskowitz dies, and Violante is seriously injured and left partially blind.
August 10, 1977 David Berkowitz is arrested by the police. His car is searched, and a weapon is found.
February 12, 1979 25 Berkowitz pleads guilty to all charges against him.
June 12, 1979 26 Berkowitz is sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison.
Later Years  — Berkowitz has multiple parole hearings, all of which are denied. In prison, he undergoes a religious conversion to Christianity.

Legal impact[]

Son of Sam law[]

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Find sources: "Son of Sam law" – news · books · scholar · JSTOR

The "Son of Sam" law refers to legislation aimed at preventing criminals from profiting financially from the notoriety of their crimes. The name is derived from the "Son of Sam" case. After Berkowitz's case gained widespread media attention, concerns arose that he might profit from selling the rights to his story.

The Son of Sam law was first enacted in New York in 1977, shortly after Berkowitz's arrest. The law was designed to prohibit criminals from earning money by selling the rights to their stories, including books, movies, and other media projects that would capitalize on their criminal activities. The primary goal was to prevent criminals from profiting financially from their notoriety and to ensure that victims or their families had the opportunity to receive restitution.

Key features of the Son of Sam laws typically include:

  1. Restrictions on Profits: The laws restrict or seize any profits earned by criminals from the commercial exploitation of their crimes, ensuring that these funds do not go to the perpetrator.
  2. Victim Restitution: The seized funds may be directed toward victim restitution or other victim-related purposes.
  3. Scope of Application: The laws generally cover various forms of media, including books, movies, television shows, and other commercial ventures that involve the criminal's story.

It's important to note that Son of Sam laws have faced legal challenges over the years on grounds of First Amendment rights, as they restrict the ability of individuals to profit from their own speech or expression. The U.S. Supreme Court has weighed in on these challenges, leading to modifications in some states to ensure compliance with constitutional principles.

While the specific provisions and names of these laws may vary by jurisdiction, the overarching purpose is to prevent criminals from capitalizing on their crimes at the expense of victims and to redirect any potential earnings toward restitution or other meaningful purposes.

Bibliography[]

Literature[]

  • Berkowitz, David Richard (2006). Son of Hope: The Prison Journals of David Berkowitz, Morning Star Communications. ISBN 978-0977899623
  • Caparrelli, PhD, Michael A (2023). Monster Mirror: 100 Hours with David Berkowitz, Once Known as Son of Sam, Independently published. ISBN 979-8857010853

Articles[]

Documentaries[]

Television[]

YouTube Documentaries[]

Podcasts[]

In popular culture[]

  • Seinfeld
    • In the episode "The Diplomat's Club ," Kramer uses the mailbag of David Berkowitz, owned by Newman, as collateral for a bet on airplane arrival times.
    • In the episode, "The Frogger ," Kramer proposes the name "Son of Dad" as a nickname for a serial killer called The Lopper, a reference to Berkowitz's nickname "Son of Sam."
    • In the episode "The Diplomat's Club ," Jerry's friend Frankie finds George in Jerry's van and says through the closed driver's side window, "Seinfeld's van!" George mistakes this for "Son of Sam!" and exclaims, "I knew it wasn't Berkowitz!"
    • In the episode "The Engagement " Newman says, when the police arrive to arrest him, "What took you so long?", echoing Berkowitz.
  • In the Only Murders in the Building episode "The Tell ", several characters play a card game created for the television show called "Son of Sam". This game is similar to the party game Mafia, where one player is assigned the role of a killer, in this case the Son of Sam, who eliminates other players over a series of rounds. Each round, the other players have the opportunity to try to guess who is the Son of Sam.

Film/TV adaptations[]

Music[]

Related Articles[]

See also[]

Links[]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ Berkowitz (as a play on his former nickname "Son of Sam", now calls himself "Son of Hope")
  2. ↑ Died several hours later in the hospital.
  3. ↑ She was rendered a paraplegic from her gunshot wounds

References[]

  1. ↑ Colin Bertram (May 4, 2021). "The Son of Sam: A Timeline of the Killings that Terrorized New York City". Biography.
  2. ↑ Trailer. Netflix Youtube.
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