David Berkowitz, infamously known as the "Son of Sam" killer, was denied parole for the twelfth time following a Board of Parole prison interview on May 14, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website. The 70-year-old serial killer, whose crimes terrorized New York City in the late 1970s, remains incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison approximately 60 miles north of New York City.

Berkowitz's reign of terror began in July 1976, targeting young women and couples sitting in cars. His series of late-night shootings resulted in six deaths and seven injuries. Dubbed the ".44 Caliber Killer" by the press, Berkowitz taunted the police and the public with notes in which he referred to himself as "Son of Sam," claiming he received demonic messages instructing him to kill.

The New York Police Department launched a massive 200-person task force to capture the elusive shooter. The breakthrough in the case came when a witness reported seeing a suspicious man near the site of the final shooting. By tracing traffic tickets issued in the area, authorities linked Berkowitz to the crimes and arrested him on August 10, 1977, in Yonkers, just over a year after the first victim, Donna Lauria, was murdered in the Bronx.

The Crimes and Investigation

Berkowitz's first attack occurred on July 29, 1976, when he shot and killed Donna Lauria and wounded her friend Jody Valenti as they sat in a parked car in the Bronx. Over the next year, Berkowitz continued his killing spree, primarily targeting women with long, dark hair. His victims included:

- Carl Denaro and Rosemary Keenan (October 23, 1976): Both survived despite being shot in their car in Flushing, Queens.

- Donna DeMasi and Joanne Lomino (November 26, 1976): Both survived but Lomino was paralyzed.

- Christine Freund (January 30, 1977): Shot and killed in a car in Queens.

- Virginia Voskerichian (March 8, 1977): Killed while walking home in Queens.

- Alexander Esau and Valentina Suriani (April 17, 1977): Both killed in their car in the Bronx.

- Sal Lupo and Judy Placido (June 26, 1977): Both survived despite being shot in a car in Queens.

- Stacy Moskowitz and Robert Violante (July 31, 1977): Moskowitz was killed and Violante was blinded in the final attack.

Berkowitz sent several letters to the police and press, filled with bizarre and threatening messages. One such letter, addressed to NYPD Captain Joseph Borrelli, was left near the bodies of Alexander Esau and Valentina Suriani, taunting the police with his moniker "Son of Sam."

The investigation reached a turning point after Berkowitz's final attack. Cacilia Davis, a witness who lived near the scene, saw a man with what she described as "dark, bushy hair" fleeing the area. This led to a search of traffic tickets issued in the vicinity, eventually identifying Berkowitz as the suspect. He was arrested on August 10, 1977, outside his apartment in Yonkers, without incident. During the search of his car, police found a rifle, a duffel bag filled with ammunition, maps of the crime scenes, and a letter to NYPD Captain Borrelli.

Trial and Incarceration

Berkowitz was charged with eight shootings. In a court hearing, he pleaded guilty to all charges, claiming that his neighbor's dog, Harvey, was possessed by an ancient demon that commanded him to kill. Despite this bizarre defense, he was found competent to stand trial. On June 12, 1978, Berkowitz was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences, the maximum penalty available at the time.

Life in Prison

During his incarceration, Berkowitz has been housed in several correctional facilities. Currently, he is at Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison known for housing some of the state’s most notorious criminals.

In a 2017 interview with CBS News, Berkowitz revealed that he had been deeply involved in satanic practices during the time of the killings. Expressing remorse, he claimed to have since become a born-again Christian. "I've apologized many times and I just always sort of let them know that I'm very sorry for what happened and, eh, I wish I could go back and change things," Berkowitz said. "And I hope these people are getting along in life as best as possible. I never forget where I came from, and what my situation was like some four decades ago. People that were hurt, people that are still in pain, suffering the loss because of my criminal actions. And I never forget that. Sometimes that weighs very heavy on me."

Parole Hearings

Berkowitz first became eligible for parole in 2002, but his repeated bids for release have been consistently denied. Each parole hearing has been met with public outcry and strong opposition from the families of his victims. His twelfth parole hearing on May 14, 2024, was no different, resulting in another denial.

Despite his expressions of remorse and transformation, the parole board has once again decided that Berkowitz will remain behind bars, continuing to serve his life sentences for the horrific crimes that once paralyzed an entire city.

Public and Media Reaction

The "Son of Sam" case remains one of the most infamous in New York City history, often cited in discussions about the impact of media on criminal investigations and the psychological profile of serial killers. Berkowitz's ability to elude capture for over a year, combined with his bizarre and chilling communications, has made his story a focal point in criminal justice studies and popular culture.

As Berkowitz continues to serve his sentence, the families of his victims, along with the community at large, hold on to the hope that justice will prevail, and the "Son of Sam" killer will remain incarcerated for the remainder of his life.