10 Disturbing Facts About Mindhunter's Serial Killers
5. David Berkowitz Is Responsible For A New York Law
One of the things we see throughout Mindhunter is the notion that serial killers cannot wait to speak of their crimes. There are ample examples within the show of the killers boasting of their acts and almost looking to be rewarded for selling their stories.
David Berkowitz, known as the .44 Calibre Killer, was one mass murderer who attracted particular media attention following his speight of shootings in the 1970s.
His crimes have been credited and linked to a number of items in popular culture, including songs, films and novels.
However, such was the interest in Berkowitz and his crimes, New York was forced to bring in a law which prohibited convicted murders from making any money from telling their stories.
The so-called 'Son of Sam' law was initially shot down but has since found its way into law in a further 41 states across America, as well as being part of federal law.
The world, of course, is all about freedom of expression and thought but to allow people to make money from taking people's lives is a step too far. It's safe to say this is one law which makes perfect sense.