David Berkowitz: podcast appearances and interviews

David Richard Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, is known for his role as the son of Sam. He is an American who committed a series of murders, arsons, and other crimes between 1975 and 1977 in New York City. Armed primarily with a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver, Berkowitz carried out shootings that resulted in six deaths and eleven injuries. His crimes garnered extensive media attention, partly due to his letters that mocked police and threatened further violence, which led to what is considered one of the largest manhunts in the city's history. Berkowitz was arrested on August 10, 1977, after police linked a parking ticket to his activities. He confessed to all eight shootings he was indicted for and initially claimed that a demonic black dog named Sam, belonging to his neighbor, had ordered him to commit the crimes. However, he later admitted this story was false. In addition to the murders, he was implicated in numerous arsons in New York City. Berkowitz pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received multiple life sentences, with the possibility of parole after twenty-five years. During his incarceration, Berkowitz modified his confessions to claim that he was part of a Satanic cult that carried out the crimes as rituals. His case influenced legislation in New York known as