Ep 1. Son of Sam: The Duke of Death (Part 1)
- TV14
- July 12, 2020
- 42 min
In the season 2 premiere of Very Scary People, viewers are taken back to New York City in the 1970s, a time when fear and paranoia was running rampant due to a series of unsolved murders. The episode titled "Son of Sam: The Duke of Death (Part 1)" delves into the case of David Berkowitz, the man behind the infamous "Son of Sam" killings.
The episode begins with a narration from host Donnie Wahlberg, who sets the scene by explaining how the city of New York was in a state of terror during the late 1970s. With over a dozen deaths attributed to the "Son of Sam" killer, people were afraid to leave their homes at night and the police were under immense pressure to find the culprit.
As the episode progresses, we are introduced to David Berkowitz - a shy, lonely man who had a troubled childhood and struggled to fit in throughout his life. Viewers will learn how Berkowitz was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and sent to a psychiatric hospital, where he was prescribed medication to help with his illness.
However, things took a turn for the worse when Berkowitz stopped taking his medication, became convinced that his neighbor's dog was possessed by a demon, and started hearing voices that told him to kill. In a chilling interview with a journalist, Berkowitz recounts how he believed that the "Son of Sam" was a demon that possessed him and made him commit the murders.
The episode also explores how the police investigation into the "Son of Sam" killings unfolded, and how law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to identify and catch the killer. With hundreds of officers working on the case, viewers will see how the police used cutting-edge forensic techniques to analyze the crime scenes and gather evidence that would eventually lead to Berkowitz's arrest.
Throughout the episode, viewers will see interviews with journalists, investigators, and witnesses who all give their perspectives on the case. Some of the most compelling interviews are with those who were directly impacted by the "Son of Sam" killings - including family members of the victims and survivors who narrowly escaped with their lives.
Overall, "Son of Sam: The Duke of Death (Part 1)" is a gripping look into one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Viewers will be left on the edge of their seats as they uncover the shocking and gruesome details of David Berkowitz's crimes, and the incredible efforts made by law enforcement to bring him to justice.