Son Of Sam CDs For Sale

The religious organization Focus on the Family is offering recordings of David Berkowitz, the notorious killer known as the Son of Sam who proclaimed himself a born-again Christian from behind bars.

The Colorado Springs-based group's Web site is offering an interview with Berkowitz on cassette for a suggested donation of $7, or on CD for $9. Berkowitz also has his own Web site that's filled with Christian-themed messages of remorse for a string of New York slayings in the 1970s.

Focus on the Family produces radio broadcasts that are carried on hundreds of stations and distributed overseas. Associate producer Scott Welch said he believes in Berkowitz's message of redemption.

"It is a fascinating story about a man's life that has been changed," Welch said Tuesday. "We wanted to relay a message of hope to our listeners, that God can change anyone's life."

Berkowitz's contrition rings hollow with some.

Michael Lauria, whose 18-year-old daughter Donna was the first shooting victim, said he is outraged Berkowitz is discussing spiritual matters.

"The man went away for a crime. To me, I feel he is not entitled to anything," said Lauria, 72. "He gets visited by his sister. I go to a cemetery to visit my daughter."

New York state prison officials pledged Wednesday to recover any money made from the tape. The state passed a law after the slayings - dubbed the Son of Sam law - that prohibits inmates from running a business out of prison and requires they turn over any money they earn to victims and their families.

Berkowitz killed six people and wounded seven others, often as they sat in their vehicles. His nickname came from a note he left at a crime scene that read: "I am a monster. I am the Son of Sam."

After his 1977 arrest, Berkowitz told police he was following the demonic orders of a neighbor's dog. He is serving six consecutive 25-years-to-life sentences in New York.

Nancy Ruhe, executive director for the Cincinnati-based Parents of Murdered Children, criticized Berkowitz's Web site and Focus on the Family for offering him a public platform.

"Tell me what murderer doesn't find religion when the bars close behind them," she said.