This article discusses a real-life serial killer, his victims, and gun violence.
Netflix’sConversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapessheds new light on David Berkowitz’s killing spree in the 1970s, but viewers may be wondering why he’s known as the Son of Sam. David Berkowitz was one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. As the"Son of Sam," Berkowitz killed six peopleand injured 10 more from 1976 to 1977.
The Son of Sam Tapesis one ofNetflix’s best documentaries, but some of the basic facts of the Son of Sam case may be hard to follow. Most people know that Berkowitz would target young adults and couples, often shooting them while they were on dates or in parked cars. The reason he picked his name, Son of Sam, however, isn’t as well-known.
David Berkowitz Called Himself The “Son Of Sam” In A Letter Left Near His Victims In 1977
Berkowitz Was Originally Dubbed The .44 Calliber Killer, But He Named Himself Son Of Sam
When the New York public first became aware of the serial killer who would later be identified as David Berkowitz, newspapers came up with a different name for him.Berkowitz was originally called the “.44 Caliber Killer” due to his weapon of choice, a .44 caliber revolver(viaCBS). Later, Berkowitz actually ended up naming himself.
After killing Valentina Suriani and Alexander Esau on June 29, 2025, Berkowitz left a letter addressed to Jimmy Breslin, a columnist for the New York Daily News (viaCBS).The letter Berkowitz left at the crime scene was signed “Son of Sam,” and the New York media ran with the new name. The letter also taunted the New York Police Department.
How The “Son Of Sam” Name Was Inspired By The Dog Of David Berkowitz’s Neighbor
Berkowitz Claimed His Neighbor’s Black Lab Was A Demon Who Encouraged Him To Murder People
It’s clear why David Berkowitz is known as the Son of Sam, but it’s not as clear why he picked the name.Son of Sam doesn’t actually mean anything by itself, after all, and it doesn’t relate to any details of Berkowitz’s killings or the investigation. Much like the name itself, however, Berkowitz chose his own reasoning for calling himself the Son of Sam.
After being arrested, David Berkowitz revealed that he called himself the Son of Sam because of his neighbor, Sam Carr (viaEncyclopedia Britannica).Carr had a pet black lab, and Berkowitz claimed that a demon lived inside of Carr’s dog and encouraged him to murder people. Since the dog belonged to Sam Carr, Berkowitz dubbed himself the “son” of Sam.
Interestingly, Berkowitz actually made the entire story up, and it wasn’t a genuine delusion he held.Years later, while in prison, David Berkowitz revealed that he didn’t actually think Sam Carr’s dog had a demon living inside it. In fact,Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapesactually included the interview where Berkowitz revealed that he made the story up to confuse law enforcement and the media.
