21 David Berkowitz (The Son of Sam): Multiple Theories

1. Background – The Making of a Serial Killer

David Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He was adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz, a loving but strict Jewish couple who raised him as their own.

Key Childhood Factors That May Have Contributed to His Crimes

• Feelings of abandonment – His birth mother gave him up, which may have caused deep emotional wounds.
• Early behavioral issues – Reports suggest Berkowitz was prone to arson, cruelty to animals, and social isolation.
• Troubled adolescence – He felt alienated and rejected, struggling to form meaningful relationships.
• Military service – He served in the U.S. Army (1971–1974), but there’s no clear indication it contributed to his crimes.

By the time he returned to New York, his psychological state had deteriorated, leading him to kill.

2. The Killings – A City Under Siege

Between July 29, 1976, and July 31, 1977, Berkowitz went on a deadly shooting spree that left six people dead and seven others wounded.

Pattern of Attacks

• Targeted young couples or women in parked cars or walking alone.
• Used a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver, earning the nickname “The .44 Caliber Killer.”
• Most victims were brunettes, sparking fear among young women who started dyeing their hair or wearing wigs.
• Killed at random but with a specific victim type, making his crimes a mix of spree and serial killings.

Notable Attacks

New York was in a state of panic, with citizens afraid to go out at night.

3. The “Son of Sam” Letters – The Mind of a Killer

Like the Zodiac Killer, Berkowitz taunted law enforcement and the media with bizarre, disturbing letters. These rambling messages contained:

• References to demons and Satanic rituals.
• Strange phrases and cryptic symbolism.
• The infamous “Son of Sam” signature.

Psychological Breakdown of His Writings

While some argued that he suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, others believed he was merely using insanity as a legal strategy.

4. Capture and Confession – The End of Terror

On August 10, 1977, Berkowitz was arrested outside his Yonkers apartment. His capture was due to an overlooked parking ticket—a break in the case that finally led police to their suspect.

During his interrogation, he quickly confessed, claiming that his neighbor’s dog, “Harvey,” was possessed by a demon and ordered him to kill.

Forensic Psychological Analysis of His Confession

• Delusions or deception? Some experts believe he was genuinely delusional, while others argue he fabricated the “demon dog” story to plead insanity.
• Attention-seeking behavior – He seemed pleased with the attention, which fits narcissistic traits.
• Enjoyed the media spectacle – Like the Zodiac Killer, he wanted to be feared and remembered.

Ultimately, he was found competent to stand trial and sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison.

5. Diagnosing Berkowitz – What Was Wrong With Him?

While Berkowitz claimed demonic possession, forensic psychologists believe he likely suffered from:

Primary Psychological Disorders

Some experts argue that he was not psychotic but instead highly manipulative, using the “demon dog” story to avoid full accountability.

6. Theories in Forensic Psychology – What Made Him Kill?

Several forensic theories can be applied to Berkowitz’s case:

1. The Macdonald Triad (Childhood Predictors of Violence)

• Fire-setting (arson) – Berkowitz admitted to setting hundreds of fires as a child.
• Cruelty to animals – Some reports suggest he harmed animals.
• Bedwetting (enuresis) – No confirmed evidence, but it’s a common trait in violent offenders.

2. Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977)

• Berkowitz may have learned aggression through his environment and experiences.
• He was bullied and socially rejected, which might have fueled anger and resentment.
• His military experience exposed him to violence, possibly reinforcing aggressive tendencies.

3. Diathesis-Stress Model

• Berkowitz may have had a genetic predisposition to mental illness (diathesis) combined with traumatic early experiences (stressors) that triggered his violence.

7. Berkowitz Today – A Killer Transformed?

In prison, Berkowitz has undergone a radical transformation, claiming to be a born-again Christian and renouncing his past crimes.

He now calls himself the “Son of Hope” and preaches to other inmates. Some believe his transformation is genuine, while others see it as another attempt at manipulation.

8. Conclusion – The Legacy of the Son of Sam

David Berkowitz’s case remains a landmark in forensic psychology and criminal profiling. His reign of terror changed the way the public perceived serial killers, reinforcing how mental illness, personality disorders, and criminal behavior intertwine.

Key Takeaways:

• His case highlights the complexity of diagnosing serial killers.
• His letters and media manipulation mirrored killers like the Zodiac.
• His use of “demonic possession” as an excuse remains controversial in forensic psychology.

Though he now claims to be reformed, his past remains a chilling example of the mind of a serial killer.