BY: BRIAN WITTY PERIOD: 7 4. David Berkowitz “Son of Sam”

Background Information David Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco, was born on June 1, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. ^2 David was given up at birth and adopted by a well off Jewish family and then re named. David was very close with his adoptive mother, unfortunately she died when he was 14, and things began to deteriorate from there. David was said to be a bully at school, a pyromaniac, and a compulsive thief. ^2

Murders David shot his first two victims in the early morning on July 29,1976. He shot both victims, one of which survived with his.44 special (used the same gun in all of his murders) He shot his next victim on October 23, 1976, the man (David had mistaken him a woman) survived David shot two more girls on November 27, 1976, both survived Jan 30, 1977, shot a couple in their car, killed the girlfriend and wounded the boyfriend March 8, 1977, shot and killed a college girl on her way home April 17, 1977, shot and killed a couple in their car Jun 26, 1977, shot a couple in their car, both survived July 31, 1977, shot a couple in their car, killed the girlfriend, wounded the boyfriend. All are from source ^1

Phases Trolling: David’s primary target was woman who were attractive with long black hair. Killed mostly in pairs and while they sat in their car (Except for 1 murder) ^2 Wooing: None, he would not talk with the victims Capture: None, he had no contact with them Murder: He would walk up to the victims, shoot several rounds at each of them, and then run away. Totem: He didn’t take any belongings from them, he just kept the location of the murders on a map he owned.

Analysis of David David does fit the stereotype of a serial killer, he was a white male, 24 years of age, and described as a very bright student. ^3 David was a stable killer, all of the victims he shot were located around Queens/ Bronx in New York. He was disorganized, his killings were random, he would wander the city looking for any girl who fit his criteria. He didn’t wear a mask to conceal his identify either.

Conclusion Final death toll, 6. ^1 David was sentenced to 365 years in prison ^1 He got his nick name, “Son of Sam” because he told investigators that he was commanded by his neighbor Sam Carr to commit these murders. He said Sam sent messages to him via Sam's’ dog.^2 Interesting facts, David served in the army, this is where he learned to shoot. He also was believed to be part of a satanic cult, who killed as a form of ritual murder, David is still alive and serving out his prison sentence.^3

Works Cited 1. ous/berkowitz/letter_1.html 2. berkowitz tm 4. Google Images