David Berkowitz
David Berkowitz, known as the Son of Sam, shot and killed six people and wounded seven in New York City in 1976–1977. He attacked people late at night and sent letters claiming responsibility.
At a glance
- What happened
- Berkowitz carried out a series of late-night shootings of strangers in New York City, killing six people and wounding seven. He sent taunting letters during the attacks, then pleaded guilty to the six murders in 1978.
- When
- July 1976–1977: shootings. August 1977: arrest. 1978: guilty pleas and sentencing. May 2024: a reported parole denial.
- Where
- New York City, principally the Bronx and Queens.
- Why / motive
- Berkowitz gave changing explanations, including claims about demonic commands. Such claims should not be presented as a verified explanation of the crimes.
- Outcome
- He was sentenced in 1978 to six terms of 25 years to life. AP reported his twelfth parole denial in May 2024; this dossier does not infer a later parole decision.
Who is involved
- David Berkowitz — subject
Sources
- AP — Son of Sam denied parole, May 2024“Berkowitz was sentenced in 1978 to the maximum prison term of 25 years to life for each of the six slayings.”
- AP — Berkowitz shootings and sentence“shootings that killed six people and wounded seven beginning in July 1976.”
- Biography — Son of Sam case“Berkowitz taunted and insulted the police in the handwritten letters he left at his crime scenes”
Sources last checked: Not recorded · Dossier last changed: · Editorially reviewed: Not yet reviewed.