David Berkowitz, AKA the
Son of Sam Killer struck between the summers of 1976 and 1977.
Thanks to
Reddit, on the 45th anniversary of the murders we take a closer look at Berkowitz and the havoc he wreaked.
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In 1979, an inmate tried to murder Berkowitz by slashing his throat. The wound needed 50 stitches to heal.
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In 2002, Berkowitz wrote a letter to the D.C. Sniper asking him to stop the killing.
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David Berkowitz is now a reformed Christian.
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David Berkowitz is the author of his own book, and all proceeds were to go to his victims' families.
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David Berkowitz claimed that 'Rich Girl' by Hall and Oates was inspiration for the murders. However the song hadn't even been released by the time he started killing.
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Hall and Oates would later reference Berkowitz's 'Rich Girl' claim in their song 'Diddy Doo Wop (I Hear the Voices)'.
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Son of Sam was really only caught because of an unpaid parking ticket on his Ford Galaxie.
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Berkowitz claimed that he was a member of a satanic cult.
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Berkowitz's weapon of choice was a Charter Arms Bulldog, which is why he also became known as the .44 Caliber Killer.
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As the Son of Sam killings were coming to an end, in October 1977 the Hillside Strangler was just getting started on the west coast.
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He has turned down parole multiple times stating that he 'got what he deserved.'
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David Berkowitz said that his neighbor's dog, Harvey (and the Devil) told him to kill his victims.
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Son of Sam Laws prohibit serial killers/criminals from making money off of their crimes. There was speculation after David Berkowitz was arrested that he might try to sign a book or movie deal based on his story.
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Berkowitz regularly would provide counsel and advice to troubled inmates in prison.
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He was born Richard David Falco and eventually changed his name to David Richard Berkowitz.
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Police wanted to avoid bringing in a SWAT team to arrest Berkowitz, and instead waited for him to leave his home.
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There was a 1999 biopic based on the Son of Sam killings called 'Summer of Sam' and it was directed by Spike Lee.
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In total he murdered six people and injured nine.
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He now runs his own website, which includes a full written apology.
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Beauty stores in NYC couldn't keep wigs in stock after the police released victimology, as many women wanted to change their hair color.
