Where Are the Survivors of David Berkowitz’s Attacks Now? What They’ve Said After Facing the Infamous ‘Son of Sam’

Survivors of David Berkowitz’s Attacks: Then and Now

The notorious ‘Son of Sam’ killer, David Berkowitz, terrorized New York City during a 13-month shooting spree from 1976 to 1977. Berkowitz targeted young women with long dark hair, claiming to be commanded by demons to kill. Despite his capture in 1977, Berkowitz’s crimes continue to haunt survivors and individuals intrigued by criminal psychology.

Netflix’s recent release, ‘Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes,’ delves into the experiences of those who survived Berkowitz’s attacks. The survivors faced severe physical and emotional trauma and have shared their stories of resilience and healing in the documentary.

Born as Richard David Falco, Berkowitz was adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz. After Pearl’s death from breast cancer when Berkowitz was 14, he struggled with feelings of unloved and resentment. These emotions, coupled with a tumultuous family discovery, fuelled his rage, leading to his killing spree.

Berkowitz’s rampage claimed the lives of six individuals and left several others with lasting physical ailments. Survivors such as Jodi Valenti, Carl Denaro, Donna DeMasi, Joanne Lomino, Judy Placido, Sal Lupo, Robert Violante, and Wendy Savino have bravely shared their accounts, shedding light on the traumatic aftermath of the Son of Sam’s attacks.

Some survivors expressed a desire for Berkowitz to face the consequences of his actions. DeMasi, who was a teenager at the time of her attack, admitted to feeling a sense of vengeance towards Berkowitz during his sentencing. Lomino, left paralysed by the shooting, echoed similar sentiments, believing imprisonment was not enough punishment for the killer.

Valenti, one of Berkowitz’s initial victims, labelled him as a ‘lunatic’ and criticised the comforts of his prison life. Alternatively, Violante, who lost most of his eyesight due to the attack, expressed relief that Berkowitz was no longer a threat to society. Placido, shot three times, harboured no animosity towards Berkowitz, acknowledging his mental instability.

Denaro, a survivor who questioned Berkowitz’s sole involvement in the attacks, highlighted potential accomplices in the crimes. His doubts about Berkowitz acting alone suggest a more complex narrative, challenging conventional perceptions of the notorious killer and his motives.

Berkowitz’s arrest in August 1977 brought an end to his reign of terror, but the survivors continue to grapple with the aftermath. Placido and Valenti shared their ongoing battle with fear and trauma, emphasising the long-lasting impact of Berkowitz’s heinous acts on their lives.

Violante, despite physical challenges from the attack, navigated through psychological struggles, especially in his relationships. Lomino, who faced severe health issues post-attack, tragically succumbed to the enduring repercussions of the shooting, underscoring the profound toll of Berkowitz’s violence on his victims.

The survivors’ participation in ‘Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes’ sheds light on their resilience and quest for closure. By sharing their stories, they aim to honour the memory of the victims and ensure that their voices are not forgotten amidst the sensationalism surrounding Berkowitz’s crimes.

In a world inundated with true crime narratives, the survivors of David Berkowitz’s attacks serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of violence and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.