Wendy Savino : “Son of Sam Victim: NYPD Classifies Woman”

87-Year-Old Woman identified as Son of Sam’s First Victim

(NewsNation) — An 87-year-old woman, Wendy Savino, has recently been officially identified as the first victim of the notorious serial killer, David Berkowitz, also known as the “Son of Sam.” Savino, who miraculously survived the brutal attack in 1976, lost an eye as a result, according to a report by the New York Post.

The New York Police Department has now classified Savino as the initial victim of the Son of Sam killings, shedding new light on the chilling case that terrorized New York City in the 1970s.

Surviving a Terrifying Encounter

Berkowitz, originally dubbed the “.44-Caliber Killer,” later adopted the moniker “Son of Sam” based on the cryptic notes he left at crime scenes and for the media frenzy that ensued. Savino, who had carried a sketch of her attacker made by the NYPD for years, identified Berkowitz as the man who shot her.

Recalling the harrowing incident, Savino described how Berkowitz approached her car with a smile before opening fire. She sustained five gunshot wounds, including one that cost her an eye, but managed to survive the brutal assault.

Life Behind Bars

David Berkowitz, now 70 years old, is currently serving multiple life sentences in prison for the series of murders he committed between 1976 and 1977. Despite being eligible for parole since 2002, Berkowitz has been denied release on twelve occasions.

Speaking to the New York Post ahead of a recent parole hearing, Berkowitz expressed remorse for his actions and attended the hearing to offer an apology for his crimes, acknowledging that he did not expect to be granted parole.

A Long Road to Justice

After the attack, Savino managed to crawl to safety and sought help, eventually providing the police with a description of her assailant. Her identification of Berkowitz as the perpetrator helped authorities in their pursuit of the Son of Sam killer.

Despite facing initial disbelief and fear following the attack, Savino eventually met with NYPD detectives and positively identified Berkowitz from a photo lineup. With her status as a confirmed victim of the Son of Sam killings, Berkowitz’s list of victims now includes six murders and eight shooting incidents.

Seeking Redemption

While Berkowitz remains incarcerated, he has claimed to have found solace in religion, describing himself as a born-again Christian. In a 2017 interview with CBS News, he expressed his disdain for the moniker “Son of Sam,” distancing himself from the crimes that once defined him.

As the truth behind the Son of Sam case continues to unfold, Wendy Savino’s bravery in facing her attacker and seeking justice serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors in the face of unspeakable violence.