February 25, 2002

FORENSIC STUDENTS

Over the years I've had opportunites to help high school and college students do reports and research papers about my criminal case as it relates to forensic psychology and the study of criminal behavior.

I have no interest in psychology or in forensic studies myself. However, if I see that students are serious and want to do a good job, I will try to help them. A number of them have thanked me for the good grades they received.

Several years ago, a woman from Maine came down with her husband to spend the day with me and do a casual interview. She later received a scholarship for her report and has since gone on to advanced levels in college in preparation for a career in law enforcement.

Some other memorable school projects have been a young man who was taking a course in Journalism at the State University of New York's Albany Campus. When it came time to turn in his term paper he had to give a lengthy dissertation before his classmates. When he wrote to tell me how well everything went, I was very pleased. Then there was a teenager who was taking forensics at the New Rochelle High School in Westchest County, New York. He came up with his brother-in-law to interview me for his report. He too had to give an oral presentation to his class. The teacher was absolutely thrilled that he actually got to meet me. He's now in college.

Yet another memorable project was one I did with a woman from Long Island. She was studying as an undergraduate major in psychology at Adelphi University. Even her professor wrote a kind letter asking me to consider meeting with her.

And so this woman came with her husband, who happens to be a corrections officer for Nassau county. Along with another student wh was also working on this project.

Later, when she completed her work, she wrote back to say thanks. Part of her letter said this:

"The project went extremely well. Of course I received an "A". The class was shocked about my interview with you. Between that and the video tapes of course they had many questions afterwards. It was very dynamic, and I really can't thank you enough for your contribution and making the project very successful."

This week, I received another "thank you" letter from a student who attends Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. I am thankful for the chance to have helped and encouraged her, too.

For these reports and projects I simply answer their letters and answer the questions they put forth. I always try to keep things simple and open. This past week, for example, I wrote back to a young man from Greenwood, Indiana. He is doing a report for his high school forensics class, but some of his questions were to vague.

Then also this week came a letter from a woman who lives in El Dorado, Arkansas. She's doing a research paper for one of her college classes.

As Christian, the best part of all this is that I get to share my faith in a gentle and practical way. I also get to share my heart and take responsibillity for my actions, as well as remind them that this was a horrible thing which happened. It is nothing to glorify.

In my letter to the college student from Arkansas, I said the following:

"I am so sorry for the pain, grief and suffering I caused in the past. I was miserable and I foolishly spread this misery to others. I had no right to do this. I was filled with stupid ideas regarding satanism, and looking back I am utterly ashamed that I had gotten so deceived. I have no one to blame but myself."

Ironically, most of these studients weren't even born when I came to Prison. The only know about the "Son of Sam" case from what they may have seen on television or read in books (even though I believe some of this is so inaccurate).

These days more and more schools are offering courses in subjects like forensics. I suppose that nowadays young students would rather study about crime  than biology or physics.

I any event, I'm glad for these opportunities to inspire them. I have no objections to people wanting to pursue careers in law enforcement. This is a good thing, and I let them know I am pleased with their decisions. I always wish them the best.

David Berkowitz

February 26, 2002

JOY AND SORROW

February has been such a blessed month for me in many ways. My testimony of God's mercy and forgiveness has gone into new regions. Several days ago I received a letter from a minister who shared my testimoney and the FORGIVEN FOR LIFE video at the Caldwell and Charlotte Correctional Facilities in North Carolina. However, February has also been a time of heavy sorrows.

Yesterday I learned that a civilian employee here at the prison, David Kirschenbaum, passed away at age 49 from a heart attack. Mr. Kirschenbaum was a friendly, fair, compassionate and kind person.

Last year I completed his six month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program, more commonly known in correctional facilities as "RSAT."

He was a good teacher and I enjoyed being around him. The news of his sudden passing was unexpected. Even though Mr. Kirschenbaum was Jewish, all the Christian brothers here are now in prayer for his family. Both they and we have been devastated by this.

David Berkowitz

February 27, 2002

JOY AND SORROW 11

Yesterday I shared some of the joys and sorrows I have experienced this month. Today I'd like to continue with these themes.

Sunday evening I learned that my dear friend, Ellen, has had a relapse of her cancer. She and her husband, Nicky, have been some of the dearest family in Christ I've ever known. This is the third time that her cancer has returned, and this time the doctor said it's inoperable.

Nicky and Ellen said they hope to come to the prison next week to spend the day with me. This will be a joyous time. I will be able to pray with them as well as give them a big hug and the warmest embrace possible.

I've also learned that a Christian broather, George, has worsening hepititis. Also, my dear sister in Christ, Betty, has been ill with a potentially fatal medical condition.

Betty, who lives in Georgia, has become good friends with Mrs. Moskowitz. They've stayed in regular contact with each other. The passing of the years have only served to deepen their friendship.

So I have a lot of praying to do, and I am trusting the Lord for healing.

David Berkowitz

February 28, 2002

THE NEWS MEDIA/PAROLE

In the coming months I am hoping to serve the Lord more and more. My prayer is that I will give more of myself to Jesus Christ, and that I may always be a helper and encourager to many people.

But also in the months ahead, I know too that the New York City news media, in their regrettable ignorance, will launch attacks against me with increasing intensity as the day approaches for this unimportant parole hearing in June.

However, as I mentioned in my journal entries for the 19th and 20th, I have no interest in parole. I have done absolutely nothing to prepare for the parole board, and I am not trying to obtain parole. But the fact is, public clamor sells newspapers and boots television ratings.

Yes, I have hurt many people by my criminal behavior. I have caused innocent people so much sorrow and inexpressible grief. I am so sorry for this. And I do accept the fact that I deserve to spend the rest of my life in prison.

Yet I have tried my best and have worked very hard over the years to make amends in any way that I can. I will continue to do this because it is the good and right thing to do. Likewise, I will continue (Lord willing) to strive to put the past to rest. This too is the good and right thing to do.

David Berkowitz