The .38 Caliber Killer: The Story of David Bullock

The Emergence of a Serial Killer

David Bullock was born on November 13, 1960, in New York City. Known later by the chilling moniker "The .38 Caliber Killer," Bullock's transformation from a male prostitute to one of New York's most infamous serial killers began in the early 1980s. Between December 1981 and January 1982, he embarked on a deadly spree that claimed the lives of at least six individuals. His nondescript appearance and demeanor initially allowed him to slip under the radar of law enforcement, who were unaware that a serial murderer was prowling the city's streets.

A Criminal Past

Before his killing spree, Bullock's life was marked by a series of criminal activities. Between 1978 and 1981, he was prosecuted five times for burglary, robbery, and grand larceny. These early offenses laid the groundwork for the more heinous crimes that would soon follow.

Arrest and Confession

The net closed in on Bullock on January 14, 1982, when he was arrested in the basement of an apartment building. Initially detained as a witness in the disappearance of his roommate, Michael Winley, Bullock's capture led to the discovery of a .38 caliber revolver and a shotgun. Within hours, he confessed to a series of murders, unveiling the dark reality of his actions to stunned authorities.

The first known victim was James Weber, a 42-year-old teacher and theatrical actor. On December 5, 1981, Weber's body was found in Central Park, just hours after he had performed in the Light Opera of Manhattan's production of "Babes in Toyland." Bullock admitted to shooting Weber, stealing his money and ID, which delayed the victim's identification. While police speculated on a possible relationship between Weber and Bullock, perhaps of a homosexual nature, Weber's family and friends dismissed these claims. Bullock himself denied any romantic involvement, insisting he had shot Weber at random while supposedly hunting birds in the park.

A few days later, Bullock murdered his 23-year-old friend and fellow prostitute, Edwina Atkins. When she laughed off his confession about killing Weber, Bullock silenced her with a gunshot, fearing she knew too much. He then set her apartment ablaze to eliminate any evidence.

His next victim was Stephen Glenn Hassell, a 29-year-old investment consultant. Lured by the promise of sexual services, Hassell took Bullock to his upscale Manhattan apartment. There, on the night of December 15, Bullock shot him through a pillow, leaving no trace for investigators despite the high-profile nature of the murder.

Bullock's killing spree continued with Heriberto Morales, a 50-year-old gay man and acquaintance since 1980. On December 22, after attending a Christmas party together, Bullock shot Morales during a conversation about a Christmas tree in his apartment. Following his pattern, Bullock stole valuables and set another fire to cover his tracks.

His final known victim was Eric Michael Fuller, a 28-year-old security guard shot during a robbery on January 4, 1982, with a shotgun. Bullock later admitted responsibility for his roommate Winley's disappearance, claiming he shot him on December 23, 1981, before discarding his body in the Harlem River. Despite efforts, the police never recovered Winley's remains.

The Investigation

Ballistics experts, after analyzing the crime scenes, determined that the same .38 caliber revolver was used in all the murders, linking them definitively to Bullock. In addition to these confirmed killings, Bullock claimed responsibility for four other shootings, though these were never verified.

Trial and Sentencing

David Bullock's trial began in the fall of 1982, drawing significant media attention. He underwent psychiatric evaluation, which concluded that while he had no mental illnesses, his emotional state was impaired. Charged with six murders, despite the absence of Winley's body, Bullock displayed a disturbingly positive demeanor during court proceedings. He recounted his crimes with sarcasm and cynicism, showing no remorse.

On October 26, 1982, Bullock pleaded guilty to all charges, citing hedonism as his motive, chillingly stating, "I was in the Christmas spirit. It made me happy." Three days later, he received a sentence of 150 years in prison, a term unprecedented in the state's history at the time. Today, Bullock remains incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.

Sources

• Wikipedia Article on David Bullock
• Buder, Leonard. "SUSPECT IS HELD IN SLAYINGS OF 6 IN LAST 6 WEEKS." The New York Times, January 15, 1982.
• Buder, Leonard. "SUSPECT IN 6 SLAYINGS SAID TO HAVE SHOT AT OTHERS." The New York Times, January 16, 1982.
• Barbanel, Josh. "VICTIM OF SLAYING IN CENTRAL PARK IDENTIFIED AS ACTOR IN LIGHT OPERA." The New York Times, December 7, 1981.
• "Man confesses to murdering six for fun." Lowell Sun, October 27, 1982.
• "MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 6 MURDERS; SAYS KILLING 'MAKES ME HAPPY'." The New York Times, October 27, 1982.
• "Wall St. Investment Adviser Is Slain in Apartment-Office." The New York Times, December 15, 1981.
• "Mass killer smiles as he gets 150 years in jail." United Press International, November 29, 1982.
• Shipp, E. R. "MAN WHO KILLED 6 TO GET A 'HIGH' GIVEN LIFE TERM." The New York Times, November 30, 1982.