The Story of David Berkowitz: The Son of Sam

The Birth of a Notorious Killer

It was the dawn of summer on June 1, 1953, when Richard David Falco first entered the world in Brooklyn, New York City. His life began with a tumultuous start; his mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Broder, part of an impoverished family, gave him away just days after his birth. Betty's marriage to Tony Falco had ended four years prior, and Richard's biological father, Joseph Kleinman, was a married businessman. The boy was soon adopted by Pearl and Nathan Berkowitz, a Jewish couple in the Bronx, who reversed his given names, raising him as David Richard Berkowitz.

David's childhood was far from idyllic. He was a bright child but quickly lost interest in academics, preferring petty crimes like theft and arson. Despite being bullied for his Jewish heritage, he had a bar mitzvah and was perceived as difficult, spoiled, and a bully. His adoptive parents sought therapy for him, but his behavior never escalated to legal trouble. When David was 14, his adoptive mother died of breast cancer, creating a strain at home, especially as he clashed with his father's new wife.

After high school, David joined the U.S. Army, serving in South Korea and Fort Knox. Upon honorable discharge in 1974, he sought out his birth mother, learning unsettling truths about his parentage that left him deeply disturbed. This revelation marked a turning point, shattering his identity.

From Soldier to Serial Killer

David’s descent into crime began with a failed attempt at murder using a knife on Christmas Eve, 1975. He later switched to a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver, embarking on a spree that would terrorize New York City from 1975 to 1977. His first known attack was on two women in Co-op City, leaving 15-year-old Michelle Forman with serious injuries.

The terror escalated on July 29, 1976, when Berkowitz shot Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti in the Bronx. Lauria died instantly, while Valenti survived with a thigh wound. Despite her survival, Valenti and witnesses could only offer a vague description of the shooter.

The String of Crimes

On October 23, 1976, Berkowitz struck again in Queens, shooting at Carl Denaro and Rosemary Keenan. Denaro required a metal plate in his skull, yet neither victim saw the shooter. The bullets were linked to the earlier attack, though the police didn’t connect the cases immediately.

Another attack followed on November 27, 1976, when Berkowitz shot Donna DeMasi and Joanne Lomino in Floral Park. Lomino ended up paralyzed, while DeMasi survived a neck wound. Witnesses described a blond man fleeing the scene, adding to the mystery.

As winter turned to spring, Berkowitz continued his rampage, killing Christine Freund on January 30, 1977. This attack, like the others, involved a .44 caliber bullet and targeted a woman with long dark hair, prompting police to suspect a connection between the crimes.

The Press and Publicity

The public first learned of the potential link between the killings in March 1977, when police announced that the same .44 Bulldog revolver was likely used in multiple shootings. The city was gripped with fear, as newspapers sensationalized the "Son of Sam" murders, their coverage extending internationally.

Berkowitz's attacks seemed to escalate in frequency and boldness. On April 17, 1977, he killed Alexander Esau and Valentina Suriani in the Bronx, leaving a note near the crime scene that taunted the police and the public. This marked the first time he identified himself as "Son of Sam," a moniker that would become infamous worldwide.

Capture and Confession

The largest manhunt in New York City's history culminated on August 10, 1977, when Berkowitz was apprehended. He confessed to the shootings, initially claiming he was following orders from a demon-dog named "Sam." He later admitted this story was fabricated. Berkowitz was also linked to various unsolved arsons in the city.

In the courtroom, Berkowitz pleaded guilty to six counts of second-degree murder, receiving six concurrent life sentences with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The media frenzy around his trial led to the enactment of "Son of Sam laws," preventing criminals from profiting off their crimes.

In the 1990s, Berkowitz claimed involvement with a Satanic cult, prompting a new investigation that was suspended due to inconclusive results. He has since become a born-again evangelical Christian, a twist in his narrative that continues to intrigue those who follow his story.

Sources

For more details, visit Wikipedia.