Son of Sam: The David Berkowitz Case | How a Serial Killer Terrorized New York City
About this episode
This episode explores the Son of Sam case, detailing the crimes of David Berkowitz and the impact on American culture.
In the summer of 1976, New York City was gripped by fear. A serial killer known as “Son of Sam” began targeting young couples sitting in parked cars, using a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver in a series of sudden, execution-style shootings. Over the course of a year, David Berkowitz murdered six people and wounded seven others , sending shockwaves through the city. In this episode of When Killers Get Caught , host Brittany Ransom examines the full story of the Son of Sam case, from the first shootings in the Bronx to the taunting letters sent to police and journalist Jimmy Breslin. We explore the psychology behind Berkowitz’s crimes, his claims about a demon-possessed dog ordering the murders, and the investigation that ultimately led to his arrest after a simple parking ticket. You’ll also learn how this case changed American culture, inspired the “Son of Sam laws,” and fueled one of the earliest modern media frenzies around a serial killer. This episode covers:• The Son of Sam murders timeline (1976–1977) • The psychology and background of David Berkowitz • The infamous letters and demon dog story • How police identified and arrested the killer• The trial, sentencing, and where…
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