David Berkowitz is not Seeking Parole in June 2002!

 

On April 4, 2002 I received a large Manila Envelope from David Berkowitz containing his letter to Governor George Pataki of New York concerning his upcoming parole hearing. Since David has been in prison for almost 25 years, it is standard for all those with life terms to come up for parole hearing, so this is not a special case.

 

I have placed this on my web site for the purpose of countering the media disinformation which will soon spew forth concerning David Berkowitz. David became a Christian in 1987 and this article is posted to help a brother in need.

 

(Heb 13:3 KJV) Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

His Home Page                    An article I wrote for those who doubt God can save David!

Dr. Ken Matto

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Hon. George E. Pataki

Governor, State of New York

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

 

    Re: Matter of Parole

 

Dear Governor Pataki,

 

        I am writing to you with regards to my parole hearing which is scheduled for June 2002.  Sir, I am so very sorry for the pain, grief and suffering I have caused innocent people by my criminal acts of some twenty-five years ago.

        I am haunted by my actions and I would do anything to undo this tragedy. I know that I have failed and disappointed my loving family, and I disgraced myself for the rest of my life.

        However today, because of Jesus Christ and my faith in Him, I am trying my best to make amends to society in any way that I can. And I am thankful for whatever opportunities which come my way to do this.

        Also, as you know, last month there was a burst of media coverage concerning my hearing. Unfortunately, no one from the media had asked my opinion about the matter.

   

       And so with all due respect to you and to New York State’s citizens, and with respect to the families who lost a loved one, and to those who were seriously wounded, I wish to share my thoughts about parole. I believe this will help to ease your concern and theirs.

        I am disappointed that there is even going to be a parole hearing. I know that the sentencing laws require a hearing to be held in June, a date which was set twenty-five years ago. But the fact is, I have absolutely no interest in parole.

        I have done nothing whatsoever to try to obtain parole. For example, I have never asked anyone, be they friend or minister, to write a letter of support on my behalf. Likewise, I have never asked any prison officials to write letters to recommend me for release. I do not believe in doing such things.

        Frankly, I can give you no good reason why I should even be considered for parole. I can, however, give you many reasons why I should not be. The loss of six lives and the wounding of even more are reasons enough for the latter.

 

        In all honesty, I believe that I deserve to be in prison for the rest of my life. I have, with God’s help, long ago come to terms with my situation and I have accepted my punishment.

        God has given me peace about this. My faith has helped to put the past behind me and to always pray for those whom I have hurt, and those who are still grieving till this very day.

        Sir, it is so tragic and regrettable that the families of my victims have to go through more suffering. Right now they’re filled with anger, anxiety and pain because they think I am trying hard to get out of prison. But this is simply not true.

        Governor Pataki, these people have nothing to worry about. For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you - that I do not deserve parole.

        Thank you, your honor, for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it has brought some clarity to this matter. I pray dearly that these families will be able to have some peace and closure very soon.

 

Respectfully,

David Berkowitz

David Berkowitz

 

Sworn before me this 27^th day of March 2002.

Charles a Gramlich

Notary Public, State of New York

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Facts About Parole

I want to give the following general facts about the matter of “Parole” since this may become a big issue for some in the weeks to come. There will be a lot of misinformation and incorrect media reporting. So hopefully this information I am now giving will be of benefit.

 

1. In August 2002, I will have twenty-five years in prison. This is the minimum amount of time required to meet my first life sentence.

 

2. I have “consecutive” life sentences which total more than 350 years. I never added up the exact amount, and it is meaningless to do so..

 

3. The first official parole hearing is scheduled for June 2002. This is the standard practice by the parole board to move up one’s hearing two months in advance of the “minimum” date. This procedure is done for all inmates.

 

4. Every inmate in New York State has a right to attend his parole hearing, or he can refuse to attend.

 

5. As I have expressed in some of my journal entries for February, I am not interested in parole.

 

6. I have not done anything to prepare for parole, in that I have not done the things prisoners usually do if they want to have a chance of being released.

 

                For Example:

                A) I have never asked a single friend, many of whom I have known for years, to write a letter in my behalf.

 

                B) I have never asked a single minister, ministry, church or any Christian organization to support me for parole by rallying people, getting signatures, etc.

 

                C) I have never asked a single prison official, be they a guard, counselor, chaplain, teacher or prison administrator to write a letter in my behalf recommending parole.

 

7. I have accepted my sentence and punishment for my crimes and I am not appealing my sentence.

 

8. I have sent to Governor George Pataki, via Certified Mail, a letter expressing my feelings about the matter of parole. I told him of the sorrow and regret I have over what happened back in 1976-77, but that I felt I did not deserve parole.

 

9. As of today, March 26, 2002, no one from the news media has interviewed me about my feelings concerning parole. So as it stands now, the families of my victims have no idea that I am not trying to get out of prison. Instead they think that I am trying hard to get out, and believing this has caused them all kinds of pain, grief, and anxiety. I am sorry for this, but there’s nothing I can do other than to work hard to get my feelings out to the public.

 

                                                                                            David Berkowitz

                                                                                            March 26, 2002

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