The Identity of Son of Sam Revealed: The Story of David Berkowitz

The summer of 1977 in New York City was marked by chaos, financial strain, a city-wide blackout, looting, burning, murder, and rape, with the notorious Son of Sam at the heart of it all. Despite a massive police manhunt, Sam evaded capture for over a year, leaving the city desperate to uncover his identity. Conceived out of wedlock to an illicit extramarital affair, David Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco, an American serial killer who brought New York City to its knees.

Traumatized by his adoption, Berkowitz struggled with guilt and abandonment issues throughout his childhood, leading to severe behavioral problems. His adoptive mother’s death exacerbated these issues, plunging him into depression and suicidal thoughts. After spending three years in the army, Berkowitz returned to New York, where he struggled to cope, sought out his biological family, and considered joining a satanic cult.

Berkowitz’s descent into madness continued as he claimed responsibility for multiple arsons, becoming known as the Phantom of the Bronx. His first murders occurred in 1976, escalating to a series of shootings that left multiple victims wounded and six dead. Following the killings, Berkowitz sent a letter to the police, in which he referred to himself as the “Son of Sam,” blaming abusive “Father Sam” for his actions.

Arrested in August 1977 after a resident reported his presence at a crime scene, Berkowitz later confessed to his crimes, receiving six consecutive life sentences. Berkowitz later retracted his claim of the talking dog, explaining that it was a coping mechanism to justify his actions. Despite becoming eligible for parole in 2002, Berkowitz has consistently declined the opportunity, choosing to minister to fellow inmates and reflect on his life in prison.

In his later years, Berkowitz prefers to be called the Son of Hope and focuses on the positive aspects of his childhood rather than the atrocities he committed. He reflects on the idyllic Bronx of his youth, emphasizing gratitude for the good experiences he had and expressing a desire for his victims and their families to find solace in happier memories.