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Flashback: The Son Of Sam
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 11, 2010
Modified May 11, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 11, 2010
Modified May 11, 2010
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David Berkowitz, better known by his psycho killer name: Son of Sam, has just been denied parole for the fifth time. The state Parole Board told him last Tuesday, "Your actions exhibited a total disregard for not only the law but the lives of innocent members of society. Not only did you harm the victims and their families, but the N.Y.C. community as a whole. Your release is not in the interest of the public safety and welfare." So: phew!
While he's still locked up, let's take a look back. Berkowitz was a Vietnam vet who lived in an apartment on Pine Street in Yonkers. He was part of a satanic cult there which allegedly began their killing spree by murdering dogs—at least a dozen were found near their meeting place in Untermeyer Park. He claims he first attacked a woman in late 1975, and first killed in 1976. Berkowitz was eventually convicted of killing six people (and wounding seven) in 1976-77, for which he's currently serving out six life sentences. Here's the original broadcast of WCBS Newsradio's coverage in 1977.
The 56-year-old has now changed his name to Son of Hope, after claiming to have found religion at the maximum-security prison he's been residing at, Sullivan Correctional Facility. According to the Daily News, he's content with staying locked up, but his parole comes up every two years. And always fond of writing, he now keeps a website to communicate with the outside world while behind bars.
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david berkowitz
flashback
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son of sam
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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