| "son of sam" denied parole
Fri Jul 21, 12:41 PM ET
NEW YORK (AFP) - "Son of Sam," the infamous serial killer whose murderous summertime spree paralysed New York with fear in 1977, was denied parole on grounds of public safety.
David Berkowitz, 53, failed to appear for the parole hearing -- his third since he became eligible for early release in 2002.
Reviewing his crimes, the parole board noted that Berkowitz had displayed a "cold disregard" for human life.
"Your crimes were apparently premeditated, totally unprovoked and calculated to place the residents of greater New York City in an unbelievable state of fear," the board said.
While commending Berkowitz on his good behaviour in prison, the board concluded that an early release would take away from the seriousness of his crimes and would not be conducive to public safety.
Berkowitz is serving six consecutive life sentences at a maximum-security prison in upstate New York. His next parole hearing will be in June 2008.
Berkowitz's rampage, which claimed six lives and left seven others wounded, began with the shooting of Donna Lauria in July 1976.
Two more attacks occurred during the autumn of 1976, injuring three New Yorkers, but it was only after the slaying of Christine Freund in January of the following year that police realised all the shootings had involved the same gun.
A detailed examination of the victims' histories showed no common link, apart from the fact that they were all attractive brunettes with shoulder-length hair.
Berkowitz passed into criminal folklore after a double killing in April 1977, when he left a note for the police.
The note, with misspellings, read: "I am deeply hurt by your calling me a wemon hater. I am not. But I am a monster. I am the 'Son of Sam.' I am a little brat.
"I love to hunt. Prowling the streets looking for game -- tasty meat."
Berkowitz claimed more victims in the following months and panic began to grip New York.
Brunettes began dyeing their hair blonde, parents refused to allow their children on the streets and businesses closed early during what was also one of the hottest New York summers on record.
Berkowitz claimed his last victim July 31 and was arrested 10 days later as the result of a parking ticket violation.  | 
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