top of page

Son(s?) of Sam

Son(s?) of Sam

Suspect

David Richard Berkowitz

Year

1976-77

Location

New York City, United States

Current Status

David Berkowitz, also known as the .44 Caliber Killer and the Son of Sam, is currently in Sullivan Correctional Facility. He now asks to be called the Son of Hope or Brother David, as he has found religion while serving his time for 6 murders. 

Summary

David Richard Berkowitz terrorized the boroughs of New York City from 1976-1977. He permanently disfigured and/or injured seven people and killed six. 

During his spree, he left one letter for the NYPD, sent another letter to a New York Daily newspaper man, and even wrote letters to neighbors. The contents of these letters were bizarre, taunting, and terrifying. 

He was eventually captured and found guilty. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for each death he caused. 

However, many people do not believe there was just one Son of Sam, but at least two. Does the language evidence back this theory up? 

Photos

victims.png
Son of Sam Letter.png
Sketches.png
map timeline.png
Note to Craig.png
Breslin Letter Page 2.png
Breslin Letter Page 1.png
Virginia.png
Letter to Craig Page 1.png
Letter to Craig Page 2.png
JB Letter.png
Violante.png
comparison.png
Inside car.png
Mug Shot.png
Breslin Letter Page 3.png

Resources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Berkowitz

  2. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/son-of-sam-arrested

  3. https://allthatsinteresting.com/son-of-sam-david-berkowitz

  4. https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/david-berkowitz/

  5. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/true-crime/david-berkowitzs-letters-the-sons-of-sam/

  6. https://murderpedia.org/male.B/b/berkowitz-letters.htm

  7. https://thetab.com/uk/2021/05/06/full-the-sons-of-sam-letters-david-berkowitz-netflix-204250

  8. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/son-of-sam-serial-killer-david-berkowitz-victims-and-timeline/9/

  9. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/documentaries/true-crime/david-berkowitzs-letters-the-sons-of-sam/

  10. https://www.true-crime-story.de/david-berkowitz-son-of-sam-apartment-verhaftung/

  11. Sons of Sam documentary on Netflix

  12. https://nymag.com/news/crimelaw/20327/

  13. https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/crime-files/david-berkowitz-son-of-sam

  14. https://www.ariseandshine.org/school-projects/oswego-high-school-project-new-york

  15. https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/plr/vol31/iss1/10/

  16. https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/david-berkowitz#:~:text=Early%20Life,-Born%20Richard%20David&text=He%20was%20reportedly%20a%20smart,excelled%20as%20a%20proficient%20marksman.

bottom of page