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The Son Of Sam Now: 5 Shocking Details About David Berkowitz's Life In Prison And His 2024 Parole Denial

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Decades after terrorizing New York City as the "Son of Sam," David Berkowitz remains one of the most infamous serial killers in American history, and his life behind bars continues to fascinate and disturb the public. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, Berkowitz is still incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences in a maximum-security facility. The most significant recent update concerning his status was his 12th denial of parole in May 2024, a decision that reaffirmed he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

This article delves into the current reality of David Berkowitz, exploring his daily life, his controversial religious conversion, and the details of his most recent attempt to secure freedom. Far from the demon-possessed killer he claimed to be in the 1970s, the 72-year-old inmate now presents himself as "Brother Dave," a born-again Christian minister working within the prison system.

The Complete David Berkowitz Biography and Profile

David Richard Berkowitz, known by the chilling aliases "Son of Sam" and the ".44 Caliber Killer," became a national figure of terror during his 13-month crime spree. His actions plunged New York City into a state of panic, defining a dark chapter in the city's history. Here is a comprehensive profile of the man behind the murders:

  • Full Name: David Richard Berkowitz
  • Aliases: Son of Sam, The .44 Caliber Killer, The Monster of the Bronx
  • Date of Birth: June 1, 1953
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Parents: Elizabeth Broder (biological mother), Betty and Nathan Berkowitz (adoptive parents)
  • Military Service: U.S. Army (1971–1973)
  • Crime Spree Period: July 29, 1976, to July 31, 1977
  • Victims: Six people killed, seven people wounded. The victims were Donna Lauria, Christine Freund, Virginia Voskerichian, Alexander Esau, Valentina Suriani, and Stacy Moskowitz.
  • Weapon: Charter Arms Bulldog .44 caliber revolver
  • Arrest Date: August 10, 1977, in Yonkers, New York
  • Conviction: Pled guilty to six counts of second-degree murder in 1978.
  • Sentence: Six consecutive life sentences (150 years—25 years for each count)
  • Current Location: Shawangunk Correctional Facility, Ulster County, New York (a maximum-security prison)

The 2024 Parole Denial and Berkowitz's Current Incarceration Status

For the public, the question of "Where is David Berkowitz now?" is primarily answered by his incarceration status. He has been behind bars since his arrest in 1977, and his current location is the Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York.

The latest significant event in his life was his 12th appearance before the New York State Board of Parole. This hearing took place on May 14, 2024.

Details of the 12th Parole Hearing

Despite his age and decades of incarceration, the Board of Parole rejected Berkowitz's request for release. The decision was not surprising, given the notoriety and heinous nature of his crimes, which terrorized the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

The board typically considers factors such as the inmate's institutional record, remorse, and plans for the future. For Berkowitz, while he claims profound remorse and has a clean institutional record, the sheer scale of his violence and the lasting trauma on the victims' families and New York City make his release politically and socially untenable. He is not eligible for another parole hearing until 2026.

Berkowitz himself has indicated in the past that he does not expect to be released and has stated that he believes he deserves to remain in prison for his actions. This sentiment aligns with his current identity as a penitent, born-again Christian, which is a key aspect of his life today.

The Controversial Conversion: "Brother Dave" and Prison Ministry

Perhaps the most unexpected and debated aspect of David Berkowitz's life now is his religious transformation. In 1987, a decade after his conviction, Berkowitz claims to have become a born-again Christian.

From Son of Sam to Brother Dave

Berkowitz, who was raised Jewish, converted to Christianity while incarcerated, calling himself a Messianic Jew. He credits the conversion to an encounter with a fellow inmate and a Bible he found in the prison library. Since then, he has adopted the moniker "Brother Dave" among other inmates and those who follow his ministry.

His conversion is a major focus of his current existence. He has dedicated his life to an evangelical ministry from behind bars, often writing articles and maintaining a website through external associates. His writings focus on his remorse, his faith, and his efforts to counsel other inmates.

A Ministry Behind Bars

Berkowitz's ministry involves several key entities and activities:

  • Prison Fellowship: Berkowitz is reportedly an active participant in prison-based religious groups, dedicating his time to faith-based activities.
  • Writings: He frequently publishes letters and articles on his personal ministry website, often discussing his past crimes in the context of his redemption. These writings are managed by people outside the prison system.
  • Counseling: He claims to counsel fellow inmates, encouraging them to find faith and turn their lives around.
  • Skepticism: While he has maintained his faith for over 35 years, many remain skeptical, viewing his conversion as a manipulative tactic to influence parole boards or simply a means of coping with life imprisonment.

Regardless of the public's perception, his commitment to his faith has defined his life for the majority of his time in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS).

David Berkowitz's Daily Life and Institutional Record

Life for a maximum-security inmate, even a high-profile one like David Berkowitz, is highly structured and monotonous. His routine is governed by the strict rules of the correctional facility. The topical authority of his current life is rooted in its quiet, uneventful nature, a stark contrast to the chaos he created decades ago.

A Quiet, Penitentiary Existence

Berkowitz, now in his early 70s, has maintained a relatively clean institutional record for decades. He is no longer the delusional figure who claimed his neighbor's dog, "Sam," was compelling him to kill.

His daily activities would include:

  • Work Assignments: Like other inmates, Berkowitz may have a job assignment within the prison, such as working in the library or the facility’s maintenance areas.
  • Religious Services: He spends a significant amount of time in prayer, Bible study, and participating in Christian services.
  • Counseling: His "Brother Dave" role involves ministering to other inmates, a form of internal community service.
  • Isolation: Due to his high-profile status, he likely spends most of his time isolated from the general population to ensure his safety and the security of the facility.

The "Son of Sam" is now an elderly man, a figure of historical true crime, whose current life is a quiet, ongoing sentence. His 2024 parole denial confirms that the New York justice system intends for him to remain in the custody of the state until his death, ensuring that the legacy of the .44 Caliber Killer is permanently confined to the walls of Shawangunk Correctional Facility.

david berkowitz now
david berkowitz now

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