Theory[]
The "Sons of Sam" theory, popularized by journalist and author Maury Terry, suggests that David Berkowitz, the convicted Son of Sam killer, did not act alone. According to this theory, there may have been a network or cult of individuals involved in the infamous string of murders that terrorized New York City in 1976 and 1977. Sam Carr were implicated, along with his two sons, John and Michael Carr, in a supposed cult or network connected to the Son of Sam killings. Sam Carr is the same individual who owned the dog "Harvey", the "Demon dog" Berkowitz called the "Son of Sam."
Key elements of the Sons of Sam theory include:
- Multiple Shooters: Terry proposed that Berkowitz may not have committed all the Son of Sam shootings by himself. The theory suggests that different individuals, potentially connected by a cult or shared ideology, were involved in the attacks.
- Cult Involvement: The theory implies the existence of a larger group, possibly with cult-like characteristics, influencing or participating in the murders. Terry pointed to occult symbols present at the crime scenes and the belief in a Satanic conspiracy.
- Berkowitz as a Patsy: The Sons of Sam theory proposes that Berkowitz might have been used as a scapegoat or "patsy" by the real perpetrators. According to this view, Berkowitz may have taken the blame to protect the actual individuals involved in the killings.
- Unsolved Crimes: Terry argued that certain aspects of the Son of Sam case remained unresolved, suggesting the possibility of other perpetrators still at large. He pointed to unsolved shootings that resembled the Son of Sam pattern as potential evidence of a larger conspiracy.
- Connections to Occult and Satanic Practices: The Sons of Sam theory involves the belief that the Son of Sam murders were part of a larger, occult-driven conspiracy. Terry connected the crimes to Satanic rituals and suggested that Berkowitz's confession might not have revealed the full extent of the motives behind the killings.
It's important to note that the Sons of Sam theory is controversial and has faced skepticism from law enforcement and other investigators. The official narrative, supported by Berkowitz's confessions and legal proceedings, is that he acted alone in the shootings. Despite the controversy, the Sons of Sam theory has garnered attention and has been explored in documentaries, books, and other media.
Literature[]
- Terry, Maury (1987). The Ultimate Evil: The Search for the Sons of Sam,. ISBN 978-1683692843
Television[]
- The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness (2021) on IMDb, a 4-part documentary from Netflix about journalist Maury Terry's lifelong conviction that the Son of Sam murders were linked to a satanic cult.[1]
Links[]
- Welcome to The People vs. David Berkowitz, repository of investigatory files and documents compiled by Maury Terry relating to the David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) criminal case.
- Scary books: 'The Ultimate Evil' by Maury Terry. oklahoman.com