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New Documentary Looks Back On 'Son Of Sam' Murders 40 Years Later

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A new documentary takes a look back at the notorious "Son Of Sam" serial killer David Berkowitz who terrorized New York City in the 1970s.

A series of seemingly unrelated shooting deaths in the summer of 1976 became a citywide panic after police connected five crimes to the same person, and then the serial killer's taunting of police began. A handwritten note to then-NYPD Captain Joseph Borrelli was left at one crime scene, and "Son of Sam" messages from Berkowitz began showing up to local news outlets.

CSB2's Kristine Johnson moderated a panel Thursday night following the premiere screening of the Smithsonian channel's "The Lost Tapes: Son of Sam." The group included homicide detective Bill Clark, producer Tom Jennings and "Son of Sam" author Lawrence Klausner. Correspondent Geraldo Rivera also joined via Skype.

Focusing on the crimes of Berkowitz, the fear he created and stories captured by the media and home videos at the time, the documentary illustrates the terror brought to the city by the killing spree. Parents in Queens and the Bronx sent their children away from the city for their safety, and police formed a 200-person task force, Operation Omega, to stop the gunman's rampage.

After one of the largest manhunts in New York City history, Berkowitz was captured and convicted of eight separate shooting attacks.

Decades after his attacks, the murderer found religion in prison. In a CBS 2 exclusive interview, Berkowitz explained what led a reviled madman to become a self proclaimed man of God.

"I spoke to God and I told him how sorry I am," Berkowitz said during the 2012 interview.

The former "Son of Sam" now refers to himself as the "Son of Hope." He has created a website, mentors fellow inmates, and receives letters from people who are looking for inspiration.

The new "Son Of Sam" documentary premieres July 30 to mark the 40th anniversary of the murders.

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