Son of Sam: A Year of Terror

He didn’t stalk houses. He stalked couples — and struck without warning.

In the summer of 1976, New York City fell under the shadow of a mysterious

figure calling himself Son of Sam. His real name was David Berkowitz. Berkowitz targeted

young couples sitting in parked cars, approaching silently before opening fire and disappearing

into the night. No clear pattern. No warning. Just fear. As victims mounted,

he began writing chilling letters to police and newspapers — claiming a demon sent by his neighbor’s

dog commanded him to kill. Headlines spread panic across the city.

Couples avoided late-night drives. Women dyed their hair to change appearance. Entire neighborhoods