David Berkowitz Research Paper

David Berkowitz committed acts of violence, which were due in part to circumstances that were beyond his control. These circumstances enabled his actions. He did not choose to be malicious, but this came about from experiences he had encountered in his life which had happened to him. Even though he is considered a “monster”, he is not entirely evil. In fact, he showed signs of possessing human qualities and characteristics. David Berkowitz is known as one of America’s most notorious criminals. He is known as “The Son of Sam” which he called himself in letters he had sent to the police. In the letters he taunted the police, letting them know he is out to hunt. He had murdered six people total by randomly opening fire, and injured many others. He leashed panic and paranoia to the streets of New York City between the years of 1976 and 1977. David Berkowitz was adopted at a young age. It has been recorded that he was intelligent, but troubled growing up. After a while he lost interest in school and picked up an interest in pyromania. People close to him described him as spoiled, difficult, and a bully. His parents had consulted with a psychotherapist due to his abnormal behavior, but it never lead to any legal or schooling intervention. This leads to the conception that perhaps it is
After an honorable discharge, he made the decision to contact his birth mother. After they had met a few times, his birth mother revealed the details of his illegitimate birth. This was disturbing news, especially since he learned that his birth father was deceased. When this new information had become known, it lead to Berkowitz having an identity crisis. This news would hurt anyone and effect them in a negative way. It is very human-like of Berkowitz to feel confused and upset after obtaining this new information. This news also plays a role into his life, adding more circumstances that are out of his