We discuss the notorious serial killer, Son of Sam, or David Berkowitz, who terrorized New York City from 1976 to 1977. We timeline his life, beginning with his birth to adoption, and offer insights into his neuroses surrounding his abandonment and shame. We closely analyze and provide insights into the first-ever Son of Sam letter, as well as his correspondence with journalists, authors, and his psychiatrist.

CW | TW: This episode discusses graphic details of murders; talk of shootings, satanism, and rape will be mentioned or discussed. Listener discretion is advised.

Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠severedpodcast.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@severed_podcast⁠⁠

Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson

Logo Art: Drew Hudson

Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers

Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson

Available on ⁠⁠RadioGardenState⁠⁠

Available on ⁠⁠Rogue Media Network

Sources

Biographical: “David Berkowitz” via Britannica (britannica.com)

Biographical: “David Berkowitz” via EBSCO (ebsco.com)

Article: “Inside the Mind of Serial Killer ‘Son of Sam’” by Scott A. Bonn, Ph.D. (PsychologyToday)

Article: “The Rise of the Son of Sam” by Scott A. Bonn, Ph.D. (PsychologyToday)

Article: “Visionary Serial Killers Are Driven By Inner Demons” by Scott A. Bonn, PhD. (PsychologyToday)

Article: “‘The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness:’ Satanic Panic And The Obsession Surrounding The Son of Sam” via UC Irvine, New University, Official Campus Newspaper (newuniversity.org)

Article: “The Son of Sam: A Timeline of the Killings that Terrorized New York City” by Colin Bertram (Biography.com)

Article: “How Son of Sam Murder Rampage Turned Daily News Columnist Jimmy Breslin into Newspaper Icon: Book Excerpt” by Staff (NYDailyNews.com)

Article: “‘Son of Sam’ Adds Four Names In New Letter, Police Disclose” via New York Times Time Machine

Article: “The Letters of Son of Sam” via New York Magazine (NYMag)

Book: Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Killers by Dr. Scott A. Bonn (Skyshore Publishing 2014)

Book: Confessions of Son of Sam. New York: Columbia UP 1985. 

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