Wendy Savino : “NYPD Classifies Woman as Son of Sam’s First Victim”

(NewsNation) — In a shocking turn of events, an 87-year-old woman, Wendy Savino, who has long claimed to have been shot five times by David Berkowitz, also known as the “Son of Sam,” has been officially recognized as the serial killer’s first victim by the New York Police Department.

Surviving the brutal attack that occurred on April 9, 1976, Wendy Savino endured significant injuries, losing an eye in the process, as reported by the New York Post.

The Infamous Son of Sam

Initially dubbed the “.44-Caliber Killer,” David Berkowitz gained notoriety as the “Son of Sam” due to the cryptic messages he left at crime scenes, captivating the attention of tabloid news reporters and the public alike.

Recalling the harrowing incident, Wendy Savino revealed that she had kept sketches provided by the NYPD, carrying them with her daily. She expressed, “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.”

Berkowitz’s Reign of Terror

David Berkowitz, now 70 years old, is serving multiple life sentences for his heinous crimes, which spanned from 1976 to 1977 in New York City. Despite becoming eligible for parole in 2002, he was denied parole for the 12th time in May this year.

Speaking to the New York Post ahead of the hearing, Berkowitz acknowledged the slim chances of parole but stated that he attended to express remorse and apologize for his past crimes.

Surviving the Unthinkable

Recalling the traumatic event, Wendy Savino detailed the moments leading up to the attack, where she noticed Berkowitz approaching her car with a smile. She described the devastating sequence of events, including being shot multiple times and enduring severe injuries.

After being shot, Savino managed to crawl to safety and seek help, ultimately providing the NYPD with crucial information that led to Berkowitz’s identification and arrest.

Life After the Attack

Following the attack, Wendy Savino’s husband, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, sent her to live with relatives in England for her safety. Savino recounted the lasting impact of the incident, expressing deep-seated fear and trauma that persisted long after the attack.

Seeking Justice and Closure

Despite facing skepticism and disbelief, Wendy Savino persisted in her pursuit of justice, eventually identifying David Berkowitz as her assailant. With the official recognition of her status as a victim, Berkowitz’s list of victims has grown, shedding light on the extent of his crimes.

A Changed Man?

David Berkowitz, now claiming to be a born-again Christian, has distanced himself from the moniker “Son of Sam,” expressing disdain for the name and the crimes associated with it. In a 2017 CBS News interview, Berkowitz addressed his past actions and expressed remorse for the pain he caused.