(McIntrye 6) David could not control the violence that built up inside him for so many years. From a young age David, bound for disaster, not having a strong family support crushed any dreams for becoming a successful member of a community. Growing up in American society a child needs a loving mother and father to care and nurture them to have a developed and normal childhood. .
David, born on June 1, 1953. His parents, Nat and Pearl Berkowitz, adopted David at birth since they could not have children of their own. (Altered 9) David Berkowitz grew up in the Bronx, keeping to himself, hyperactive and sometimes violent. David, always rather large for his age and had the reputation for being a bully. " As far back as I can remember my childhood was not that of a normal child." (Altered 9) .
In 1967, Pearl Berkowitz died of cancer, David was fourteen years old. (Altered 9) His father, Nat, raised David until 1971 when Nat remarried. Nat Berkowitz's new wife grew quite disturbed about David, and soon Nat and his new bride moved to Florida, leaving the eighteen-year-old on his own in the Bronx. (O"conner 3) .
The lonely and confused David joined the Army that same year in 1971 where he became an excellent marksman. (Berkowitz 2) David's only sexual encounter occurred during his stay in the Army- an unfortunate flay with a Korean prostitute that resulted in .
David contracting a venereal disease. (Altered 9) After serving his term in the Army David returned to the Bronx, still with no real direction. (Berkowitz 3).
At this time in 1974 David knew of his adoption, and decided to track down his real parents. Using the Bureau of Records, David determined that his real name is Richard Falco. (Altered 10) Looking through a phone book, by chance David found Betty Falco (Broder) and called to see if this could be his birth mother. Betty Broder eagerly agreed to talk to David and soon learned of the events surrounding David's birth.
