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Crime & Justice • Serial Killer

Son of Sam

Son of Sam is the alias used by American serial killer David Berkowitz during and after his 1976–1977 shooting spree in New York City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Son of Sam is the alias used by American serial killer David Berkowitz during and after his 1976–1977 shooting spree in New York City. Berkowitz killed six people and wounded others, and the case became one of the most notorious criminal cases in New York history.

Identity

Son of Sam is the criminal alias of David Berkowitz, an American serial killer and former U.S. Army soldier. He was born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, and later took the name David Richard Berkowitz.

Crimes

Between 1976 and 1977, Berkowitz carried out a series of shootings in New York City, primarily in the outer boroughs, over a 13-month period. Using a .44-caliber revolver, he killed six people and injured at least seven others, causing widespread fear and extensive media coverage.

Arrest and conviction

Police arrested Berkowitz on August 10, 1977. He later pleaded guilty to the murders and received six consecutive 25-years-to-life prison terms. He remains incarcerated in a New York state prison.

Legacy

The case became one of the best-known serial murder cases in the United States and influenced New York’s 'Son of Sam' law, which restricts criminals from profiting from their crimes. The alias and the case remain a major reference point in American crime history.

Key facts

  • The name 'Son of Sam' came from letters Berkowitz sent to media outlets and left at crime scenes, signing them with that name.
  • Authorities linked the alias to Berkowitz after his arrest in August 1977.
  • The attacks occurred across New York City’s outer boroughs during a 13-month period.
  • Berkowitz later said the name referred to a demon he believed lived inside a neighbour’s dog named Sam.
  • The case influenced New York’s 'Son of Sam' law, which restricts criminals from profiting from their crimes.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Son of Sam?
Son of Sam was the alias used by David Berkowitz, an American serial killer responsible for a series of shootings in New York City in 1976–1977.
Why was he called Son of Sam?
Berkowitz said the name referred to a demon inside a neighbour’s black Labrador retriever named Sam; he used the alias in letters to newspapers and police.
How many people did he kill?
He killed six people and injured at least seven others; some sources report a higher number of injuries depending on the count used.
When was he arrested?
He was arrested on August 10, 1977.
Is he still in prison?
Yes. He is reported to be serving six consecutive life sentences in a New York state prison.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Berkowitz
    Supports: Real name, alias, date of birth, crimes, victim count, and general case overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Berkowitz
    Supports: Alias, incarceration status, and explanation of the name 'Son of Sam'.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/crime/son-of-sam-david-berkowitz-biography-facts
    Supports: Arrest date, victim count, and sentence.
  4. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/august-10/son-of-sam-arrested
    Supports: Arrest date, victim count, and description of the case.
  5. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/son-of-sam-serial-killer-david-berkowitz-victims-and-timeline/
    Supports: Timeline, self-styled alias, and victim/injury counts.
  6. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/david-berkowitz
    Supports: Influence on 'Son of Sam' laws.