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David Berkowitz in 2009 (left) and in 1979 Photo: AP (2)
David Berkowitz, aka “Son of Sam,” is one of New York’s most notorious serial killers — yet he told a parole board he views himself as a model inmate and says that he is carrying out his “life’s calling” as a “caregiver” behind bars.
“I’ve really done wonderful,” Berkowitz told a parole board during his latest parole hearing, the 15th, according to the transcript, dated May 17, obtained by The Post.
“I was constantly putting myself out there to help other individuals, with kindness and compassion,” he said. “I mean, I feel that’s my life’s calling, all these years. My evaluations, and so forth, should show that to be true. I’ve done a lot of good and positive things, and I thank God for that.”
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David Berkowitz in his cell at Kings County Hospital in 1977.Photo: AP
Berkowitz — who turned 63 on June 1 — said that during his nearly three-decade stint at the maximum-security Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, he helped run chapel services, worked with mental health inmates, did Bible studies and graduated from Sullivan Community College with top honors.
“I feel I am no risk, whatsoever,” said the “.44-Caliber Killer,” who called his gory reign of terror a “terrible tragedy.”
“I continue to go forward with my life. I do a lot of good things,” said Berkowitz during the parole hearing at the maximum-security Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, to which he was recently transferred from Sullivan .
Berkowitz was convicted of killing six people and wounding seven others in 1976 and 1977 in a bloody rampage that rocked the city. He is currently serving six consecutive 25-years-to-life sentences.
Berkowitz was arrested at his Yonkers home on Aug. 10, 1977, after cops found his car had been ticketed near the scene of his last shooting.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June 1978 to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The serial killer became eligible for parole in 2002.
“Unfortunately, it was a terrible tragedy. I regret that with all my heart. I would do anything if I could ever change that,” said Berkowitz, adding that he is “deeply sorry.”
“It was a time that my life was out of control. I’d do anything if I could go back and change that, but it’s impossible to go back into the past and fix those kinds of things.”
Berkowitz boasted about himself to the parole board, saying that while imprisoned, “for many years I have worked as … just like a caregiver.”
“I have a heart for helping and reaching out to inmates, offenders, who have psychiatric problems, who have a lot of depression, and things like that … so, I feel that’s my calling in life,” Berkowitz said.
He said that if he ever did get out of prison, he has a few good friends and people who are ministers whom he described as “outstanding members of society” who would give him a place to live.
However, he admitted that he told prison staffers that parole is not “realistic” for him.
“I feel that the crimes were so serious and the damage so severe, and so many people I’m sure are still hurting and grieving, that, realistically, something like parole, in my situation, would be very unusual,” he said.
When pressed by the board as to where his past “rage” came from when he murdered and wounded innocent people, Berkowitz replied, “it’s beyond my comprehension.”
He added, “I look back with, like, so much disbelief. There are times that I wake up and say, I can’t believe this happened.”
During his decades of incarceration, Berkowitz has claimed he was part of a Satanic cult that assisted him in the shootings. No one else has ever been charged.
In a letter to the parole board that Berkowitz typed on a typewriter from his cell the night before the hearing, he called himself a Christian and detailed how he “helped” inmates and even “counseled” them over the years.
Berkowitz ended the letter saying, “I want to continue to be something of a role model for my fellow inmates, as well as a source of hope and inspiration to whomever I can.”
Berkowitz was denied parole once again. His next appearance before the board is scheduled for May 2018.
Berkowitz’s attorney Mark Heller, said, “On every occasion I have visited David over the years, the staff at the correctional facility, including the chaplain, has gushed about what a wonderful model prisoner David has been and stated that they wish every prisoner was as compliant, helpful and appropriate as David.”
http://nypost.com/2016/06/22/son-of-sam-tells-parole-board-i-do-a-lot-of-good-things/
