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Son Of Sam: The 5 Most Shocking Facts About David Berkowitz’s Life Behind Bars And Latest Parole Denial

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David Berkowitz, the infamous "Son of Sam" killer who terrorized New York City in the mid-1970s, remains one of the most compelling and chilling figures in modern criminal history. As of late 2025, he is still incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for his crimes. His current life is a stark contrast to the chaotic terror he unleashed, now defined by a controversial religious conversion and repeated, unsuccessful bids for freedom.

The latest updates on Berkowitz focus primarily on his life in prison, his long-running Christian ministry, and the recent decision by the parole board. The nearly 50-year-old case continues to draw public attention, especially with new documentaries and true-crime deep dives revisiting the "Summer of Sam" fear that gripped the metropolis.

Biography and The Reign of Terror: David Berkowitz Profile

David Richard Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco, became one of the most feared serial killers in American history. His 13-month crime spree, which he claimed was ordered by a demon-possessed dog named "Sam," plunged New York City into a state of panic.

  • Full Name: David Richard Berkowitz (Born Richard David Falco)
  • Aliases: Son of Sam, The .44 Caliber Killer
  • Date of Birth: June 1, 1953
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Adoption: Adopted by Pearl and Nathan Berkowitz shortly after birth.
  • Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army in the United States and South Korea (1971–1973).
  • Crime Spree Duration: July 29, 1976, to July 31, 1977.
  • Victims: Killed six people and wounded seven others.
  • Weapon: Charter Arms Bulldog .44 caliber revolver.
  • Arrest Date: August 10, 1977, in Yonkers, New York.
  • Sentence: Six consecutive life sentences (150 years in total).
  • Current Incarceration: Shawangunk Correctional Facility, New York.

The Son of Sam Attacks: A Timeline of Fear

Berkowitz’s attacks were characterized by the use of a .44 caliber revolver and his targeting of young women with long, dark hair, often in parked cars. The attacks occurred across multiple boroughs, including The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, amplifying the city's terror.

The crime spree timeline includes key events:

  • July 29, 1976: Initial attack in The Bronx. Jody Valenti and Donna Lauria are shot while sitting in a car. Lauria, 18, is killed instantly.
  • October 23, 1976: Carl Denaro and Rosemary Keenan are shot in a car in Queens. Both survive.
  • January 30, 1977: Christine Freund and John Diel are shot in a car in Queens. Freund dies from her wounds.
  • March 8, 1977: Virginia Voskerichian, a college student, is shot and killed while walking home in Forest Hills, Queens.
  • April 17, 1977: Berkowitz leaves his first letter at the scene of the attack on Alexander Esau and Valentina Suriani, claiming the name "Son of Sam." Both victims die.
  • June 26, 1977: Sal Lupo and Judy Placido are shot as they leave a disco in Queens. Both survive.
  • July 31, 1977: The final attack targets Robert Violante and Stacy Moskowitz in Brooklyn. Moskowitz dies; Violante is blinded in one eye.
  • August 10, 1977: Berkowitz is arrested outside his apartment in Yonkers. He immediately confesses to all the murders.

The Latest: David Berkowitz’s 12th Parole Denial

Despite his conversion and decades of good behavior in prison, David Berkowitz has consistently been denied parole. His latest attempt, his twelfth since becoming eligible, was rejected by the New York State Board of Parole.

The parole interview took place on May 14, making it one of the most recent public updates on the killer. The decision to deny his release is consistent with the board's long-standing position that releasing Berkowitz would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would deprecate the seriousness of his crimes. The sheer brutality and terror of the "Son of Sam" spree ensures that any consideration of his release is met with public and political opposition.

Berkowitz has previously stated that he does not seek parole and believes he deserves to remain incarcerated for the rest of his life as penance for the pain he caused. However, New York State law requires him to appear before the board periodically. He is next eligible for a parole hearing in 2026.

From Son of Sam to 'Son of Hope': The Prison Conversion

One of the most remarkable and debated aspects of Berkowitz’s life in prison is his dramatic conversion to Christianity. This spiritual journey began in the mid-1990s, where he claims to have had a profound "come-to-Jesus moment."

He now refers to himself as the "Son of Hope," a direct rebuttal to his notorious "Son of Sam" moniker. Berkowitz has dedicated his life behind bars to Christian ministry and outreach, working with organizations like Prison Fellowship Ministries.

His ministry, named "Arise and Shine," operates through an official website where he publishes journal entries, articles, and his public apology to the victims and their families. He uses this platform to share his testimony, offer spiritual guidance, and counsel other inmates. Skepticism over the authenticity of "prison conversions" is common, but Berkowitz has maintained his faith for over 35 years, a period he and his supporters cite as evidence of a genuine transformation.

In his writings, Berkowitz often expresses deep remorse for his actions and acknowledges the irreparable damage he inflicted on the victims and the city of New York. He views his continued incarceration not as a punishment but as a necessary consequence and an opportunity for service within the prison system.

Where David Berkowitz Is Now: Life in Shawangunk

David Berkowitz is currently housed at the Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Ulster County, New York. His daily life is a structured, penitentiary existence, a world away from the media frenzy of the 1970s.

At 72 years old (as of June 2025), his life revolves around his religious activities. He is reportedly a model prisoner, focused on his faith and his ministry work. He has consistently refused to profit from his crimes, adhering to New York’s "Son of Sam" law, which prevents criminals from earning money from their stories.

The enduring legacy of the "Son of Sam" case continues to influence pop culture and true-crime media. The recent Netflix documentary series, Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, brought the story back into the spotlight, ensuring that Berkowitz remains a subject of morbid fascination nearly five decades after his arrest. While the man himself is locked away, the fear he created remains a historical touchstone for New York City.

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