David Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco, is an American serial killer known as the "Son of Sam" killer
Born on June 1, 1953, Berkowitz committed a series of shootings in the New York City area in the mid-1970s, targeting young women and couples
His crimes sparked widespread fear and panic in the city
Berkowitz began his criminal activities in July 1976 when he shot two young women in the Bronx, one of whom died from her injuries
Over the next year, he continued his attacks, shooting and killing six people while injuring several others
His choice of victims, typified by young couples sitting in parked cars, earned him the moniker "Son of Sam" from the media
The authorities launched a massive investigation to catch Berkowitz, who taunted the police through letters and messages left at the crime scenes
It was not until August 1977 that he was finally apprehended after a witness reported seeing him near the scene of one of his attacks
Berkowitz confessed to the shootings, claiming that he was instructed to commit the crimes by a demonic entity living in the form of a neighbor's dog
He later recanted this explanation, stating that it was a hoax
Nevertheless, he was convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison
In prison, Berkowitz has become a born-again Christian and has expressed remorse for his crimes
He has since claimed that his initial claims of demonic possession were a manifestation of his mental illness at the time
Berkowitz has also become an advocate for safety and prevention, warning others about the dangers of his own troubled past
The Son of Sam case had a significant impact on American society
It led to widespread fear and paranoia, resulting in changes in urban behavior and coining the term "going out Son of Sam style."
Berkowitz's crimes also prompted changes in the laws regarding parole and sentencing for violent offenders in New York State
Despite his notoriety, David Berkowitz's Wikipedia page serves as a comprehensive account of his life and crimes, offering an exploration of the serial killer's psyche, the impact of his actions, and his subsequent transformation behind bars.
Berkowitz began his criminal activities in July 1976 when he shot two young women in the Bronx, one of whom died from her injuries. Over the next year, he continued his attacks, shooting and killing six people while injuring several others. His choice of victims, typified by young couples sitting in parked cars, earned him the moniker "Son of Sam" from the media. The authorities launched a massive investigation to catch Berkowitz, who taunted the police through letters and messages left at the crime scenes. It was not until August 1977 that he was finally apprehended after a witness reported seeing him near the scene of one of his attacks. Berkowitz confessed to the shootings, claiming that he was instructed to commit the crimes by a demonic entity living in the form of a neighbor's dog. He later recanted this explanation, stating that it was a hoax. Nevertheless, he was convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison. In prison, Berkowitz has become a born-again Christian and has expressed remorse for his crimes. He has since claimed that his initial claims of demonic possession were a manifestation of his mental illness at the time. Berkowitz has also become an advocate for safety and prevention, warning others about the dangers of his own troubled past. The Son of Sam case had a significant impact on American society. It led to widespread fear and paranoia, resulting in changes in urban behavior and coining the term "going out Son of Sam style. ". Berkowitz's crimes also prompted changes in the laws regarding parole and sentencing for violent offenders in New York State. Despite his notoriety, David Berkowitz's Wikipedia page serves as a comprehensive account of his life and crimes, offering an exploration of the serial killer's psyche, the impact of his actions, and his subsequent transformation behind bars.