Skip to main content

In 1976 and 1977, New York City was terrorized by David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam” killer. After taking six victims’ lives, Berkowitz was arrested and charged with murder.

Now that Netflix has released The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness, many people have a renewed interest in Berkowitz. Find out where the serial killer is today, as well as the new nickname he adopted in prison.

'Son of Sam' aka David Berkowitz, the subject of 'The Sons of Sam' Netflix series
David Berkowtiz | Robert R. McElroy/Getty Images

David Berkowitz killed 6 people as the ‘Son of Sam’ serial killer

Initially, the press dubbed Berkowitz the .44 Caliber Killer for his weapon of choice. Later, Berkowitz became known as “Son of Sam” when he started sending letters to the police under the moniker. 

The “Son of Sam” killer was given six 25-years-to-life sentences for the crimes he committed in the late ’70s. Berkowitz claims he was possessed by a 600-year-old demon when he committed the murders. 

New Netflix series about David Berkowitz AKA’ Son of Sam’ 

In May 2021, Netlfix released a four-part docuseries detailing the “Son of Sam” killings. The true-crime series examines evidence Maury Terry, an author and journalist, uncovered that points to the possibility of multiple people responsible for the “Son of Sam” murders. 

In Terry’s opinion, Berkowitz didn’t act alone. The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness explores archival news footage, conversations with the people closest to the investigation, and Terry’s case files. Was Berkowitz responsible for all of the “Son of Sam” deaths, or did he have help? In Terry’s opinion, the “Sons of Sam” was a cult operation.

David Berkowitz calls himself the ‘Son of Hope’ now

In 1987, almost 10 years after his sentencing, Berkowitz became a born-again Christian. “When I was living in a cold and lonely prison cell, God got a hold of my life,” Berkowitz shares on his site, AriseAndShine.org. Around this time, he changed his serial killer nickname to something more positive — the “Son of Hope.” 

Throughout his reform, Berkowitz has explored the idea of forgiveness. “Can God forgive someone who has committed murder?” Berkowitz questioned in a post on Faith Underground. “I have been confronted with this question many times.”

His post talks about various scriptures and ultimately answers his own question — can the public forgive murderers? “Christ came to save sinners, not saints,” Berkowitz concludes. 

‘Son of Sam’ David Berkowitz publishes an apology to his victims on his website

Almost 20 years after the killings, Berkowitz published an apology letter in 2007. “As I have communicated many times throughout the years, I am deeply sorry for the pain, suffering and sorrow I have brought upon the victims of my crimes,” Berkowitz wrote in 2007.

Related

‘Murder Among the Mormons’: What Does the Salamander Letter Say?

“I grieve for those who are wounded, and for the family members of those who lost a loved one because of my selfish actions,” he continues. “I regret what I’ve done and I’m haunted by it.”

Berkowitz also mentions how he can’t “comprehend all the grief and pain” the families of his victim’s live with. “I am not writing this apology for pity or sympathy,” the “Son of Sam” concludes. “I simply believe that such an apology is the right thing to do. And, by the grace of God, I hope to do my very best to make amends whenever and wherever possible, both to society, and to my victims.” 

Stream The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness on Netflix now. 

Best in Entertainment