– Son of Sam’s initial victim
– Woman identified as Son of Sam’s first victim.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
(NewsNation) — An 87-year-old woman, Wendy Savino, who has long claimed to be a survivor of a shooting by David Berkowitz, popularly known as the “Son of Sam,” has now been officially recognized by the New York Police Department as the serial killer’s first victim.
The harrowing incident occurred on April 9, 1976, when Savino was shot five times by Berkowitz. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including the loss of an eye, Savino managed to survive the attack, as reported by the New York Post.
Berkowitz’s Infamous Moniker
Initially dubbed the “.44-Caliber Killer,” Berkowitz later adopted the moniker “Son of Sam,” inspired by the notes he left at the crime scenes and sensationalized by tabloid reporters.
Reflecting on the traumatic event, Savino shared, “From the day I was shot, I had my sketches the NYPD made for me, and I carried that around in my handbag every day. I did not know his name, but I certainly knew what he looked like. I said, ‘This is the man that shot me.’ And of course, once he was arrested, I knew my sketch was David Berkowitz.”
Currently incarcerated at the age of 70, Berkowitz is serving multiple life sentences for the murder of six individuals in New York City between 1976 and 1977. Despite being eligible for parole since 2002, Berkowitz was recently denied parole for the 12th time in May.
Berkowitz’s Apology and Remorse
Prior to the parole hearing, Berkowitz expressed his understanding that parole was unlikely but attended the hearing to offer an open apology for his past crimes and to convey his remorse, as reported by the New York Post.
Despite his notoriety, Berkowitz strives to distance himself from the “Son of Sam” persona, stating in a CBS News interview in 2017 that he despises the name and does not identify with it.
Surviving the Brutal Attack
Recounting the traumatic events of that fateful day, Savino recalled being shot multiple times while sitting in her car. She described the chilling moment when Berkowitz approached her vehicle, leading to a series of life-threatening injuries.
After being shot multiple times, Savino bravely endured the ordeal, sustaining injuries that left her severely wounded. Her resilience and quick thinking ultimately led to her survival.
Following the attack, Savino crawled to safety and sought help, eventually providing crucial information to the police that led to Berkowitz’s identification and arrest.
Impact on Savino’s Life
Despite her physical recovery, the psychological scars of the attack haunted Savino for years. The trauma led her to live in fear and anxiety, affecting her daily life and interactions.
Her husband, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, arranged for Savino to seek refuge in England with relatives to escape the lingering trauma and fear that overshadowed her life.
Recognition as a Victim
After years of perseverance and efforts to validate her account, Savino’s status as a victim of the Son of Sam has been officially acknowledged by the authorities. This recognition amplifies the impact of Berkowitz’s crimes, adding Savino to the list of individuals affected by his reign of terror.
With this newfound validation, Savino’s courage and resilience stand as a testament to her strength in the face of adversity.
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– NYPD classifies woman as Son of Sam’s first victim
– NYPD identifies woman as Son of Sam’s initial victim.
