David Berkowitz, born Richard David Falco, became known as the "Son of Sam" and the ".44 Caliber Killer" for the brutal series of shootings he committed. Berkowitz's horrifying spree began on July 29, 1976, and continued until July 31, 1977. During this period, he killed six people and wounded seven others, primarily targeting young women with long dark hair, sending waves of fear through New York City.

Berkowitz grew up in New York City and served in the United States Army before returning to the city where he would embark on his deadly campaign. Using a .44 Special caliber Bulldog revolver, Berkowitz eluded capture for months, taunting the police and the public with cryptic letters that were widely publicized, further heightening the panic.

The turning point in the investigation came from a seemingly minor detail: a parking ticket. On August 9, 1977, Cacilia Davis, a local resident, reported seeing a man near a car that had been ticketed just minutes before the final shooting. This lead prompted the police to investigate the ticketed vehicles, which included Berkowitz's car. Inside, they found a duffel bag containing ammunition, maps of the crime scenes, and a threatening letter to the police.

On the evening of August 10, 1977, police officers John Falotico and William Gardella arrested Berkowitz outside his Yonkers apartment. As the officers approached, Berkowitz simply said, "Well, you got me." His calm demeanor and immediate confession to the shootings marked the end of one of the largest manhunts in New York City's history.

During his interrogation, Berkowitz initially claimed that he was obeying orders from a demon manifested in the form of a neighbor's dog named "Sam." However, he later admitted that this story was a hoax. Berkowitz pled guilty to six counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences, with the possibility of parole after 25 years, which he has consistently waived.

The arrest of David Berkowitz brought a sense of relief to the city, yet the fear he instilled left a lasting impact. The "Son of Sam" case also led to the creation of new laws, known as "Son of Sam laws," designed to prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity of their crimes.

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