David Berkowitz, known as the Son of Sam serial killer, compared his time behind bars to the inspiring writings of Anne Frank, who wrote her diary while in captivity during the Holocaust. Berkowitz expressed admiration for the impact Frank’s writing had on the world and questioned what he could achieve with his own message of hope in God. He saw the potential to change lives with his own trusty typewriter, reflecting on the influence that Anne Frank had through her diary.
Berkowitz’s reign of terror began in July 1976 with the murder of two young women in the Bronx, followed by a string of attacks over the next nine months. He left behind notes claiming responsibility, taunting the police and causing panic throughout New York City. Eventually, he was caught after police traced a parking ticket back to his Yonkers home. Despite his crimes, Berkowitz claimed that the bloodbath was ordered by his neighbor’s dog and was sentenced to 547 years in prison in June 1978.
While in prison, Berkowitz turned to religion and found God, becoming a chaplain’s clerk and preaching forgiveness and hope to other inmates. He took on the role of a father figure to younger prisoners, guiding them and offering support. Despite being eligible for parole since 2002, he knows he has no chance of being released but chooses to face the parole board to apologize for his crimes, express his remorse, and share his faith in God as a source of forgiveness and redemption. Berkowitz attends the hearings in order to show respect for authority and to demonstrate his willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
As Berkowitz prepares to face the parole board for the 12th time, he reflects on his past crimes and the impact they had on his victims and their families. He acknowledges that he has a life sentence to serve but believes in making the most of his time behind bars by helping and encouraging others, especially younger inmates. Berkowitz sees his role in prison as an opportunity to offer guidance and support to those who may be struggling, sharing his own experiences of redemption and transformation through faith in God. Despite his notorious past, he aims to use his time in prison positively to uplift and inspire others.
Throughout his time in prison, Berkowitz has continued to reflect on the influence of Anne Frank’s diary and the power of the written word to inspire and influence others. He believes that he can also make a difference with his writing by sharing messages of hope and faith in God. Despite his dark past and the pain he caused, Berkowitz finds solace in his spiritual beliefs and the opportunity to offer guidance and support to others. Through his work as a chaplain’s clerk and mentor to younger inmates, Berkowitz seeks to find meaning and purpose in his life sentence and make a positive impact despite his past crimes.
