Crime & Safety

'Son of Sam' Killer Hospitalized For Heart Surgery, Reports Say

David Berkowitz's killing spree put New York City on edge in the 1970s.

NEW YORK, NY — The "Son of Sam" serial killer who terrorized New York City 40 years ago is in the hospital.
New York state prison officials say Tuesday that 64-year-old David Berkowitz was transferred to a hospital from the upstate maximum-security prison where he is serving a life sentence.

Officials would not comment on why he was in the hospital, but the New York Post and the Times-Union of Albany reported that he was transferred to undergo heart surgery.

Berkowitz, who called himself "Son of Sam," set the city on edge with late-night shootings that killed six people and wounded seven. He primarily targeted young women sitting in cars before his arrest on Aug. 10, 1977.

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Berkowitz now says he is a born-again Christian and is "very sorry for what happened."


Watch Now: 'Son of Sam' Killer Hospitalized For Heart Surgery

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Lead image: David Berkowitz poses during an interview at Sullivan Correction Facility in Fallsburg, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)