Personal Background
When was David Berkowitz born?
June 1, 1953
What type of weapon was used in the killings?
A .44 caliber gun
What item was found in Berkowitz’s car and used as evidence in the trial?
A .44 caliber revolver
What did Berkowitz claim drove him to kill?
Satan
What mental illness was Berkowitz diagnosed with?
Paranoid Schizophrenia
What was the demographic of Berkowitz's victims?
Women with long dark hair or couples parked in cars
What was the total sentence for his crimes?
6 consecutive 25-year sentences (365 years total)
What nickname was originally used before “Son of Sam”?
The .44 Caliber Killer
What did Berkowitz do after highschool?
He joined the US army.
What type of killer was Berkowitz classified as?
An organized, high rish killer
What was found in Berkowitz's apartment that referenced his crimes?
His letters and notebooks
What did Berkowitz leave at crime scenes to taunt police?
Letters signed "Son of Sam"
What happened to Berkowitz shortly after his birth?
He was adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz after being given up by his biological mother.
Before murder, what type of crimes did Berkowitz commit?
Vandalism and arson
Who's observation of a suspicious man helped crack the case?
Cecilia Davis
What did many women do to avoid being targeted?
Change the color or length of their hair
What traumatic event happened when David was 14?
His adoptive mother, Pearl, died from breast cancer.
What phrase explains the motive behind Berkowitz’s crimes?
He felt like “a soldier on a mission” driven by Satan
What legal concept refers to Berkowitz acting with intent to kill?
Mens rea
What helped police track down Berkowitz's car?
A parking ticket