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Citizen Sleuth Uncovers Potential New Victims of NYC’s “Son of Sam” Murderer
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The notorious Son of Sam case, which has gripped the public’s imagination for decades, may have more chapters left to unfold. Thanks to the relentless detective work of YouTuber Manny Grossman, authorities are now revisiting the possibility that serial killer David Berkowitz had more victims than previously thought, according to a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post. Grossman, whose investigative efforts have already led to the identification of Berkowitz’s first confirmed victim, is urging police to search for additional bodies around two key dates: December 14, 1976, and February 25, 1977.
David Berkowitz, infamously known as the Son of Sam, terrorized New York City in the late 1970s. Until recently, it was believed his killing spree began in July 1976 and continued until his arrest in August 1977. However, The Post has now reported that Grossman’s discovery suggests that Berkowitz’s murderous activities started three months earlier than previously documented.
The catalyst for this revelation was Grossman’s examination of the “apartment writings” found by police in Berkowitz’s Yonkers home following his arrest on August 10, 1977. Among these writings were two particularly disturbing letters, dated December 14, 1976, and February 25, 1977, The Post report indicated. Grossman believes these letters are not mere ramblings but potential clues to unsolved murders.
Grossman has established a pattern in Berkowitz’s behavior, linking his violent outbursts to his obsession with dogs barking. Berkowitz famously claimed that a demon, speaking through his neighbor Sam Carr’s black Labrador retriever, commanded him to kill, The Post report indicated. This macabre delusion formed the basis of his twisted motivations.
“I identified a pattern where Berkowitz would go crazy about dogs barking, he would write a letter and go absolutely nuts,” Grossman explained to The Post. His theory gained further credence with the recent confirmation by NYPD cold-case detectives that Wendy Savino, now 87, was Berkowitz’s first official victim, thus extending the timeline of his deadly spree.
Grossman’s investigation revealed that Berkowitz had a ritualistic approach to his killings. “There’s two letters in there. Both say ‘Today’s the day I will go and spill blood for Sam Carr,'” Grossman noted. The report in the Post suggests that the letters were not only expressions of his intent but actual announcements of his planned murders.
The significance of December 14, 1976, and February 25, 1977, lies in Berkowitz’s methodical documentation of his actions. Grossman posits that these dates correspond to previously unknown attacks. His analysis of Berkowitz’s letters and the timing of the killings indicates a chilling pattern: Berkowitz would compose and date a letter, then go out and commit a murder.
This insight has led Grossman to believe there are potentially undiscovered victims whose deaths align with these dates. His appeal to the police to investigate these specific time frames has garnered serious attention from the authorities, who are now “very interested” in the possibility of uncovering more about Berkowitz’s crimes.
Grossman’s work has breathed new life into the Son of Sam case, urging cold-case detectives to re-examine unsolved murders and missing persons cases from that period. The potential for new discoveries is significant, and the police are taking Grossman’s findings seriously.
“They were very interested in the theory. They wrote down the dates for sure. What they did afterwards I do not know,” Grossman told The Post. Despite this interest, the NYPD did not respond to inquiries about the potential for additional Berkowitz victims.
As the investigation progresses, it could lead to the identification of additional victims, providing long-awaited closure for families who have lived with uncertainty for decades. Grossman’s dedication to uncovering the truth underscores the vital role that citizen sleuths can play in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
Berkowitz, known for leaving cryptic messages, often embedded clues about his murderous activities in his letters. For instance, on March 8, 1977, Berkowitz murdered 20-year-old Virginia Voskerichian in Forest Hills, Queens. The Post reported that that same morning, he penned a letter stating, “The dog is screaming for fresh blood and meat to quench his thirst and pangs of fresh blood” and later wrote, “Today the demon has not stopped for a moment. How much blood does he want me to spill for him?”
This pattern of writing letters on the day of his attacks is what Grossman believes holds the key to uncovering additional victims. The report in the Post said that by meticulously analyzing files available on thepeoplevsdavidberkowitz.com, the largest public repository of investigatory files on the Son of Sam case, Grossman has identified dates that correspond to the letters and potential undiscovered murders.
Grossman’s dogged pursuit of the truth led him to cold-call a retired detective who had worked on the Berkowitz case. This initial contact eventually resulted in a partnership with the detective’s son, Mike Lorenzo, also a retired Yonkers investigator. Together, they have delved deeper into the case files, using information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and public records.
Grossman’s thorough examination of these files and his collaboration with seasoned investigators have provided a fresh perspective on the Son of Sam case, which has captivated the public for decades. His ability to connect the dots between Berkowitz’s letters and unsolved murders could potentially lead to new discoveries and bring closure to the families of victims who have long awaited answers.
“It was really Mike Lorenzo who came up with the philosophical framework that Wendy Savino fit. That Berkowitz was a stalking sniper who had other victims,” Grossman noted to The Post. This new perspective led to the stunning revelation that Berkowitz’s murderous spree began earlier than previously believed.
The potential for additional victims of Berkowitz underscores the importance of persistent investigation, even in seemingly closed cases. Grossman’s efforts highlight how independent researchers and citizen sleuths can contribute significantly to solving cold cases. By leveraging public records, collaborating with former law enforcement officials, and applying rigorous analytical methods, these individuals can uncover new evidence and insights that might otherwise remain buried.
Grossman’s background is as eclectic as his investigative pursuits. Born in Manhattan and raised in Riverdale, Grossman grew up in a journalistic household. His father, Jim, was a prominent PR professional with a history in journalism, having worked for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Charlotte Observer, and San Juan Star, according to the information provided in the Post report. Despite this journalistic pedigree, Grossman’s childhood dream was to become a rock drummer.
“All I ever wanted to be was a rock drummer,” Grossman laughed, reflecting on his unexpected foray into crime investigation. His career as a landscaper provided the flexibility to dive deep into cold cases, particularly during the downtime caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
