‘Son of Sam’ Killer Denied Parole Again

By JTA May 9, 2012

David Berkowitz, the New York serial killer known as “Son of Sam,” was denied parole for a sixth time.

A New York prison parole board made the decision on Tuesday to deny Berkowitz, 58, who has spent 35 years behind bars. He will be eligible for another parole hearing in two years.

Berkowitz admitted to killing at least six people and injured others during a crime spree in 1976 and 1977 that terrorized New York City. He is serving a sentence of 25 years to life in the maximum security Sullivan Correctional Facility in New York State.

He has expressed remorse for the shootings and runs a prison ministry.

Berkowitz became a born-again Christian in 1987 and now calls himself “Son of Hope.” On a videotape message last week to a prayer breakfast in Virginia, he said God can forgive anyone, according to the Virginian-Pilot.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO