David Berkowitz

David Richard Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, is infamously known as the Son of Sam and the .44 Caliber Killer. This American serial killer and former U.S. Army soldier terrorized New York City between 1975 and 1977, committing a series of shootings and a stabbing that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to eleven others. Armed with a .44 Special caliber Bulldog revolver, Berkowitz instilled fear in the hearts of New Yorkers, taunting law enforcement with letters that promised further violence, which led to one of the largest manhunts in the city's history.

His capture on August 10, 1977, was facilitated by a parking ticket that provided crucial evidence. Following his arrest, Berkowitz confessed to eight shootings, initially claiming he was following the orders of a demon that appeared as a black dog named 'Sam,' which belonged to his neighbor. After being deemed mentally competent to stand trial, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received six concurrent life sentences in state prison, with the possibility of parole after twenty-five years. He later admitted that the story about the dog and the devil was fabricated.

The intense media coverage surrounding Berkowitz's case granted him a form of celebrity status, which he appeared to relish. In response to the public outcry, the New York State Legislature enacted the 'Son of Sam laws' to prevent criminals from profiting from the notoriety of their crimes. These laws have endured despite various legal challenges and have inspired similar legislation in other states. In the mid-1990s, Berkowitz, who had by then converted to evangelical Christianity, revised his confession, alleging that he was part of a violent Satanic cult responsible for the murders as ritualistic acts. A renewed investigation into the murders commenced in 1996 but was ultimately suspended due to inconclusive findings.