6 Most Shocking Reveals From Netflix’s Son Of Sam Documentary Series

Netflix’s Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes provides shocking new information about the infamous crimes of David Berkowitz, how he was eventually captured, and how his crimes had a long-lasting impact on his victims. Directed by Joe Berlinger, the three-part Netflix docuseries explores the Son of Sam killings through recordings, archival footage, and interviews with Berkowitz following his capture.

Throughout the mid-1970s, David Berkowitz, who was known as the “Son of Sam”, terrorized the streets of New York City, shooting at innocent people, seemingly indiscriminately, and making citizens feel unsafe walking on the streets at night. During his killing spree, Berkowitz sent letters as the Son of Sam, taunting the police and threatening that he would kill again.

Between 1976 and 1977, David Berkowitz shot and murdered several people before he was finally apprehended and arrested on August 10, 1977. Upon his arrest, Berkowitz admitted he was the Son of Sam killer and later pleaded guilty to all charges against him; in 1978, he received six consecutive life sentences with a minimum term of 25 years.

One of Netflix’s best documentaries, The Son of Sam Tapes is the fourth installment of the Conversations With a Killer series, and includes harrowing interviews with survivors and reporters who covered Berkowitz’s killing spree in the 1970s. The three-part Netflix docuseries reveals several unknown facts about Berkowitz and the crime spree that terrorized New York City.

6

One Victim Was Left Partially Blind From His Injuries

Robert Violante Lost His Left Eye In The Shooting

Between 1976 and 1977, David Berkowitz shot and killed six people and injured more, with several survivors suffering from long-term injuries that impacted them for life. On July 31, 1977, Berkowitz shot 20-year-old Stacy Moskowitz and 20-year-old Robert Violante, who were sitting in a car in Bath Beach, returning home from a first date. Moskowitz ultimately died of her injuries.

Violante was rushed to hospital in the aftermath of the shooting and was told by the doctor that he had lost his left eye and most of the sight in his right as a result of his injuries. In the Netflix docuseries, Violante recalled that he felt “hysterical” to learn that he had lost most of his sight.

In the years following the shooting, Violante continued to suffer from sight problems and, in the Netflix docuseries, admitted that he struggled with guilt over Moskowitz’s death. Violante reflected on the tragic end of their first date, stating that he believed “if [he] would’ve left [for home] in [those] five minutes, she might still be alive today.”

5

David Berkowitz Was Not The First Suspect In The Killings

Berkowitz Killed His First Confirmed Victim In July 1976

The Son of Sam killing spree terrorized the streets of New York City in the mid-1970s, but as shown throughout the Netflix docuseries, it took investigators several months to nail down a suspect. The first confirmed killing connected to the Son of Sam took place on July 26, 1976, when Jody Valenti and Donna Lauria were shot in New Rochelle; Valenti survived but Lauria died instantly of her injuries.

Initially, police considered Lauria’s former boyfriend, Vinny Minutolo, to be involved in the killing. In the Netflix docuseries, Minutolo stated that he and Lauria dated for four years, and they had a good relationship; his father warned him about attending Lauria’s wake as “he felt that they were going to blame [Minutolo] for killing her.”

Retired New York Police Detective Joseph Borrelli stated that during any murder investigation “you always look close” to the victim and explore from there. Minutolo was questioned by police for several months, but he was ultimately cleared of any involvement. Minutolo stated in the Netlfix docuseries that “nobody ever apologized to [him]” for suspecting him of murder.

4

David Berkowitz’s Adoptive Family Lied About His Birth Mother

Berkowitz Was Led To Believe His Birth Mother Had Died In Childbirth

Berkowitz’s early life and mindset are thoroughly explored throughout the Netflix docuseries. As a baby, Berkowitz was adopted and raised in the Bronx. In the docuseries, Berkowitz stated that, while he loved his adoptive mother, he would occasionally cause trouble to gain attention, including “acts of vandalism… solely to be punished.”

According to Son of Sam researcher, Manny Grossman, Berkowitz’s mindset began to change after being told that he was adopted and his mother had died during childbirth, and that “his true antisocial acts started” upon learning of the adoption. However, in later years, Berkowitz learned that his biological mother was actually still alive and located her whereabouts in 1974.

Berkowitz visited his birth mother, Betty Falco, several times, and she eventually disclosed that he was the product of an affair and placed him up for adoption at the insistence of her husband. The truth about his birth deeply disturbed Berkowitz and likely contributed to his eventual killing spree in the 1970s (via Psychology Today).

3

Berkowitz Lashed Out At His Victims During His Sentencing

He Reportedly Insulted His Victims & Said He’d Kill Again

On August 10, 1977, David Berkowitz was arrested on suspicion of murder after police connected him to the Son of Sam killings; while in custody, Berkowitz admitted that he was the Son of Sam and made a full confession to the murders. At his trial, Berkowitz pleaded guilty to all charges. During his initial sentencing, he caused a scene by attempting to escape.

Berkowitz was described as “flipping out” and began insulting his last victim, Stacy Moskovitz, stating, “I’d kill her again, I’d kill all of you.” As officers pulled him away from the windows, Berkowitz carried an expression that was described as “the face of evil.” The courtroom erupted into chaos as officers attempted to get Berkowitz to calm down.

Robert Violante, who attended Berkowitz’s sentencing, stated that he got up and yelled at Berkowitz, saying that “[he] should be dead” and that he was “a piece of garbage.” After Berkowitz calmed down, sentencing resumed, and he was given six consecutive life sentences, with a minimum term of 25 years without parole (via TIME).

2

David Berkowitz Was Inspired By Other Serial Killers

He Grew Up With A Deep Fascination With Serial Killers

Berkowitz’s prison interviews are heard throughout the Netflix docuseries, where he openly talks about his childhood and how he became obsessed with different historical serial killers. Berkowitz admitted to regularly reading books and watching movies that covered serial killers, including Jack the Ripper and the Boston Strangler (via Rolling Stone).

1

David Berkowitz Converted To Christianity While In Prison

Berkowitz Is Incarcerated In Shawangunk Correctional Facility

As of 2025, David Berkowitz is serving his six life sentences in Shawangunk Correctional Facility; he has been denied parole 12 times. Since his incarceration, Berkowitz has converted to Christianity and has worked closely with prison ministries (via EBSCO).

Since his first hearing in 2002, Berkowitz has refused to ask for parole, stating that he should remain incarcerated. At his latest hearing in 2024, Berkowitz stated that he only attended “to openly apologize for my past crimes and express my remorse” (via New York Post).

In Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, those who survived and relatives of the victims believe that Berkowitz has never fully taken responsibility for his crimes. While his next parole hearing is scheduled for May 2026, it’s possible that Berkowitz will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.

Sources: Psychology Today, TIME, Rolling Stone, The Sun, EBSCO, New York Post