Background
Between 1976 and 1977, attacks carried out with a .44 calibre revolver kept New York City in fear for about a year, particularly in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Most took place at night and targeted young people in parked cars.
The attacker became known as the 'Son of Sam' after letters sent to police and a newspaper columnist.
What happened
The first attack took place in the Bronx on 29 July 1976. Further shootings followed in Queens in October and November 1976, in Forest Hills in January and March 1977, in the Bronx in April 1977 and in Bayside in June. The last attack was in Brooklyn on 31 July 1977. Six people died and several others were wounded.
A letter left at the April 1977 scene was the first to carry the 'Son of Sam' name, and public attention to the case grew rapidly.
In the summer of 1977, New York was also dealing with a severe heat wave and a citywide blackout, which heightened the sense of anxiety. Many young women changed their hairstyles and young people avoided going out at night. Police examined hundreds of tips in one of the largest manhunts of the era. Berkowitz's arrest brought deep relief to the city.
In the summer of 1977, New York was also dealing with a severe heat wave and a citywide blackout, which heightened the sense of anxiety. Many young women changed their hairstyles and young people avoided going out at night. Police examined hundreds of tips in one of the largest manhunts of the era. Berkowitz's arrest brought deep relief to the city.
Investigation and trial
Police assembled a large special task force. A parking ticket issued near the scene of the final attack became a vital clue; it led to a yellow Ford Galaxie and its owner, David Berkowitz of Yonkers. He was arrested outside his home on 10 August 1977.
Berkowitz was found competent to stand trial and declined an insanity defence. He pleaded guilty on 8 May 1978 and on 12 June 1978 was sentenced to 25 years to life for each murder.
Where it stands today
Berkowitz remains in prison and has repeatedly been denied parole, including at a hearing in 2024. The case prompted New York to pass a 'Son of Sam law' barring criminals from profiting from accounts of their crimes. The US Supreme Court struck down the original version in 1991 on free-speech grounds, and the state later adopted a revised law. The victims continue to be remembered by their families and communities.