Ep 2. Son of Sam: The Satanic Cult Theory

In episode two of Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer, we delve into the highly controversial theory that the infamous serial killer, David Berkowitz, was not acting alone but was instead a part of a larger satanic cult.

The episode starts with Detective Joe Borrelli explaining how the satanic cult theory came about. A journalist named Maury Terry received a letter from Berkowitz himself, claiming that he was a member of the satanic cult and was not the sole perpetrator of the Son of Sam murders. Terry went on to investigate the theory, and his findings were detailed in his book, The Ultimate Evil.

Several experts, including author and professor Susie Linfield and former FBI agent John Douglas, weigh in on the subject. Linfield acknowledges that the satanic cult theory was a product of the times, where there was a widespread fear and hysteria regarding satanic cults. Douglas, on the other hand, dismisses the theory, stating that there is no solid physical evidence to support the claims.

The episode then focuses on one of the key figures in the satanic cult theory, a man named Roy Radin. Radin was a wealthy Hollywood film producer who was linked to Berkowitz through his former cult partner, John Carr. Carr was found dead shortly after the Son of Sam murders, and it is believed that he was killed by the cult to silence him.

Radin was known to be involved in the occult and was connected to several people who were suspected of being part of the cult. However, his involvement in the Son of Sam murders is purely speculative, and there is no concrete evidence to prove his guilt.

The episode also explores the role of psychiatry in the satanic cult theory. A psychiatrist named Dr. David Abrahamsen testified at Berkowitz's trial that he believed he was part of a larger satanic cult. However, Dr. Park Dietz, a renowned forensic psychiatrist, explains that there is no empirical evidence to support the claim that satanic cults exist and engage in criminal activities.

The investigation into the satanic cult theory was a distraction from the actual case and hindered the efforts to catch the real killer. Berkowitz acted alone in the Son of Sam murders, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest otherwise.

Overall, this episode provides an in-depth look at the controversial satanic cult theory surrounding the Son of Sam case. Through expert analysis and historical context, it presents the theory as a product of its time and highlights the importance of focusing on concrete evidence in criminal investigations.