I am the Son of Sam, part two: David Richard Berkowitz, The notorious serial killer who turned to Jesus

After hearing the story of Berkowitz, I took some time to read about him on various online platforms, reflecting on his life. I felt there was something I should share with the church community.

Before diving into the lessons and God’s warning from Berkowitz’s story, let me first finish his story, as I had ended part one with his capture. Berkowitz was arrested and taken to court. When asked why he killed people, he initially laughed, then later confessed that demons were controlling him to commit those murders. He eventually admitted to all the crimes and was given a spiritual counselor to pray for him to be delivered from demonic oppression.

On May 8, 1978, Berkowitz pleaded guilty to his charges and was sentenced to 365 years in prison. Yes, I didn’t misspeak—he was sentenced to 365 years in jail. The exact reason for his killing spree was never clearly determined, but experts in human psychology (psychotherapists and psychologists) suggest it could be linked to his childhood experiences. He was abandoned by his biological parents and raised by others, and after losing his adoptive mother at age 14, he experienced mistreatment from his stepmother. Some experts attributed his actions to the trauma of not receiving love from his parents.

The Lesson About Raising Children

I have often heard some parents say, “Our children will be raised by the Lord, and He will bring them up.” I don’t want to challenge scripture or alter a single letter of it, but if God gave you children, why didn’t you pass away immediately, leaving the responsibility to God? Why did He give you an extended family, including your siblings, who are meant to step in if you’re no longer present to raise your children? Research conducted in America revealed that over 70% of incarcerated people who committed violent crimes had no relationship with their biological parents. What a tragedy for the world! In the work I have been called to do, which includes trauma healing, I have encountered individuals who, due to family wounds and lack of parental love, were driven to commit evil acts.

You might read this and think, “This doesn’t concern me since I haven’t had children yet.” Even if you haven’t yet, you will one day. How prepared are you to provide good parenting? Or will you abandon your child just like Berkowitz’s parents did? That’s why I am sharing Berkowitz’s story—as a cautionary tale for parents who abandon their children and for those who are yet to become parents. If you’re not ready to raise a child, it’s better not to have one. And if you’re not ready to parent, don’t even consider an abortion just because you fear your child might turn out like Berkowitz. Often, we blame God for our misfortunes, claiming He allowed them, but the truth is, we sometimes fail to seek His counsel. Beloved, I urge you, as pilgrims and strangers in this world, to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul.

Berkowitz’s End and Lessons for Readers

Nine years later, in 1987, Berkowitz came to believe in Jesus and joined a prison ministry. He changed his name from “Son of Sam” to “Son of Hope.” He personally testified that his transformation was inspired by Psalm 34:5, which says, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” I too can testify: those who look to Him will never be put to shame.

To you who are reading this story, I urge you to draw closer to God and search the scriptures to understand how to raise your child or future children. If you know anyone in bondage, let us join together in prayer for their deliverance. I didn’t write this story just to provide information about things we may not have known. Rather, I wrote it to help the reader make wise decisions for the future because it is through the future that the wise gain wisdom, and those who observe grow in understanding (Daniel 2:21).

If you have emotional wounds or trauma, feel free to write to us via email or WhatsApp, and we will assist you. Alternatively, click the link to connect with a counselor of your choice, and we will put you in touch with them.