David Richard Berkowitz, famously known as the "Son of Sam" and the ".44 Caliber Killer," is an infamous figure in American criminal history. His criminal saga, which gripped New York City in fear during the mid-1970s, remains a disturbing chapter in the annals of American crime.

Early Life

David Berkowitz was born on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He was adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz when he was just a few days old. His childhood, by his own account, was somewhat troubled, marked by a rebellious nature and minor instances of pyromania. Despite these early signs of behavioral issues, nothing in his childhood overtly suggested the dark path he would eventually follow.

Military Service

In 1971, Berkowitz enlisted in the United States Army, serving for a brief period. His time in the military was relatively uneventful, and he was honorably discharged in 1974. After his discharge, he returned to New York City and worked several jobs, including being a security guard and a mail sorter for the U.S. Postal Service.

The "Son of Sam" killings began on July 29, 1976, initiating a period of terror in New York City that lasted for about a year. Berkowitz carried out a series of shootings using a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver, targeting young women and couples in lovers' lanes. His attacks seemed random and unprovoked, creating widespread panic and fear throughout the city.

In total, Berkowitz killed six people and wounded seven others. His modus operandi was to approach a parked car and rapidly fire his weapon at the occupants. He sometimes left letters near the crime scenes, taunting the police and journalists, which further added to his notoriety.

Capture and Conviction

Berkowitz was eventually captured on August 10, 1977, following an extensive manhunt. His capture was aided by a parking ticket that was issued to his car near the scene of one of the shootings. After his arrest, Berkowitz confessed to all of the shootings, claiming that he was obeying the orders of a demon that spoke to him through his neighbor Sam's dog.