Who Is David Berkowitz? 'Son Of Sam' Serial Killer Hospitalized

David Richard Berkowitz, 64, also known as the “Son of Sam” and .44 Caliber Killer, was transferred to the Albany Medical Center Hospital for a heart ailment, although New York corrections officials declined to detail the seriousness of his condition.

Berkowitz is receiving treatment for a heart-related illness, sources confirmed to The Albany Times-Union Monday. A statement from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said, “Inmate Berkowitz has been transferred to an outside hospital and remains in the custody of the Shawangunk Correctional Facility. DOCCS cannot comment on an inmate’s specific medical condition.”

Berkowitz pled guilty to eight separate shooting attacks in the New York City area during the summer of 1976 that stretched up until his arrest on Aug. 10, 1977. Berkowitz, the self-dubbed “Son of Sam” killer that taunted police and reporters with hand-written threats, murdered six people and wounded seven others during a yearlong span that rocked an already crime-ridden city.

Berkowitz is serving 25 years to life for each of the six murders and his next parole hearing is set for May 2018.

His murders often involved young couples parked at “lovers lanes” throughout Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx and he particularly singled out female victims with long, dark brown hair. In addition to his notes declaring himself the “Son of Sam” killer, his crimes were initially widespread across tabloid news as the “.44 Caliber Killer” for his choice of weapon in the shootings.

Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco on June 1, 1953, before being adopted as a child. Following his August 1977 arrest in a Yonkers apartment building, Berkowitz told police that his neighbor’s dog “Harvey,” whose owner was named “Sam,” was actually a demon who convinced him to conduct the killing spree. Despite his bizarre confession and motive for the murders, Berkowitz was found mentally competent to stand trial.

He has been in prison since 1978 and is currently an inmate at the Shawagunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, Ulster County.

In an interview with CBS News this past August -- 40 years to the day after his arrest -- Berkowitz said the shootings were "a break from reality...thought I was doing something to appease the devil. I'm sorry for it."

In 1999, director Spike Lee released “Summer of Sam” based upon the heat and crimewaves burdening the city during the same time as Berkowitz’s killing spree.