The Beginning of the “Son of Sam” Murders: July 29, 1976

On July 29, 1976, New York City witnessed the beginning of a series of brutal attacks that would instill fear across the city for over a year. David Berkowitz, later infamously known as the “Son of Sam,” committed his first murder on this date, marking the start of a notorious crime spree.

Background

David Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz, he grew up in the Bronx. Despite a seemingly normal upbringing, Berkowitz exhibited troubling behavior from a young age, including pyromania and cruelty to animals. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to New York, where his mental health continued to deteriorate.

The First Attack

On the night of July 29, 1976, Berkowitz targeted two young women, Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti, who were sitting in a parked car in the Bronx. As they chatted, Berkowitz approached and fired a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver into the vehicle. Donna Lauria, an 18-year-old emergency medical technician, was killed instantly, while her friend Jody Valenti was injured but survived.

The Crime Spree

This attack marked the beginning of a series of shootings that would terrorize New York City until Berkowitz’s arrest in August 1977. Over the course of his crime spree, Berkowitz killed six people and wounded seven others. His victims were often young women with long, dark hair, leading many New Yorkers to change their hairstyles or avoid going out at night.

The “Son of Sam” Letters

Berkowitz taunted the police and the media with letters signed as the “Son of Sam,” a moniker that would become synonymous with his crimes. These letters, filled with bizarre and threatening language, heightened the public’s fear and frustration as the police struggled to identify the killer.

Capture and Aftermath

Berkowitz was finally apprehended on August 10, 1977, after a parking ticket near one of the crime scenes led police to his Yonkers apartment. He confessed to the shootings and claimed that he was commanded to kill by a demon that possessed his neighbor’s dog.

In 1978, Berkowitz was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences, ensuring he would spend the rest of his life in prison. His arrest brought relief to a city gripped by fear, but the psychological impact of his crimes lingered long after his capture.

Historical Significance

The “Son of Sam” case had a profound impact on New York City and the broader American public. It highlighted issues related to mental health, gun control, and the media’s role in sensationalizing crime. The case also led to the implementation of the “Son of Sam” laws, which prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity of their crimes.

Berkowitz’s reign of terror remains one of the most infamous crime sprees in American history, serving as a chilling reminder of the potential for violence in urban settings and the complexities of criminal psychology.