Hon. George E. Pataki
Governor, State of New York
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Re: Matter of Parole
Dear Governor Pataki,
I am writing to you with regards to my parole hearing which is scheduled for June 2002. Sir, I am so very sorry for the pain, grief and suffering I have caused innocent people by my criminal acts of some twenty-five years ago.
I am haunted by my actions and I would do anything to undo this tragedy. I know that I have failed and disappointed my loving family, and I disgraced myself for the rest of my life.
However today, because of Jesus Christ and my faith in Him, I am trying my best to make amends to society in any way that I can. And I am thankful for whatever opportunities which come my way to do this.
Also, as you know, last month there was a burst of media coverage concerning my hearing. Unfortunately, no one from the media had asked my opinion about the matter.
And so with all due respect to you and to New York State’s citizens, and with respect to the families who lost a loved one, and to those who were seriously wounded, I wish to share my thoughts about parole. I believe this will help to ease your concern and theirs.
I am disappointed that there is even going to be a parole hearing. I know that the sentencing laws require a hearing to be held in June, a date which was set twenty-five years ago. But the fact is, I have absolutely no interest in parole.
I have done nothing whatsoever to try to obtain parole. For example, I have never asked anyone, be they friend or minister, to write a letter of support on my behalf. Likewise, I have never asked any prison officials to write letters to recommend me for release. I do not believe in doing such things.
Frankly, I can give you no good reason why I should even be considered for parole. I can, however, give you many reasons why I should not be. The loss of six lives and the wounding of even more are reasons enough for the latter.
In all honesty, I believe that I deserve to be in prison for the rest of my life. I have, with God’s help, long ago come to terms with my situation and I have accepted my punishment.
God has given me peace about this. My faith has helped to put the past behind me and to always pray for those whom I have hurt, and those who are still grieving till this very day.
Sir, it is so tragic and regrettable that the families of my victims have to go through more suffering. Right now they’re filled with anger, anxiety and pain because they think I am trying hard to get out of prison. But this is simply not true.
Governor Pataki, these people have nothing to worry about. For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you - that I do not deserve parole.
Thank you, your honor, for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it has brought some clarity to this matter. I pray dearly that these families will be able to have some peace and closure very soon.
Respectfully,
David Berkowitz
Sworn before me this 27th day of March 2002.
Charles a Gramlich
Notary Public, State of New York
Governor, State of New York
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Re: Matter of Parole
Dear Governor Pataki,
I am writing to you with regards to my parole hearing which is scheduled for June 2002. Sir, I am so very sorry for the pain, grief and suffering I have caused innocent people by my criminal acts of some twenty-five years ago.
I am haunted by my actions and I would do anything to undo this tragedy. I know that I have failed and disappointed my loving family, and I disgraced myself for the rest of my life.
However today, because of Jesus Christ and my faith in Him, I am trying my best to make amends to society in any way that I can. And I am thankful for whatever opportunities which come my way to do this.
Also, as you know, last month there was a burst of media coverage concerning my hearing. Unfortunately, no one from the media had asked my opinion about the matter.
And so with all due respect to you and to New York State’s citizens, and with respect to the families who lost a loved one, and to those who were seriously wounded, I wish to share my thoughts about parole. I believe this will help to ease your concern and theirs.
I am disappointed that there is even going to be a parole hearing. I know that the sentencing laws require a hearing to be held in June, a date which was set twenty-five years ago. But the fact is, I have absolutely no interest in parole.
I have done nothing whatsoever to try to obtain parole. For example, I have never asked anyone, be they friend or minister, to write a letter of support on my behalf. Likewise, I have never asked any prison officials to write letters to recommend me for release. I do not believe in doing such things.
Frankly, I can give you no good reason why I should even be considered for parole. I can, however, give you many reasons why I should not be. The loss of six lives and the wounding of even more are reasons enough for the latter.
In all honesty, I believe that I deserve to be in prison for the rest of my life. I have, with God’s help, long ago come to terms with my situation and I have accepted my punishment.
God has given me peace about this. My faith has helped to put the past behind me and to always pray for those whom I have hurt, and those who are still grieving till this very day.
Sir, it is so tragic and regrettable that the families of my victims have to go through more suffering. Right now they’re filled with anger, anxiety and pain because they think I am trying hard to get out of prison. But this is simply not true.
Governor Pataki, these people have nothing to worry about. For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you - that I do not deserve parole.
Thank you, your honor, for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it has brought some clarity to this matter. I pray dearly that these families will be able to have some peace and closure very soon.
Respectfully,
David Berkowitz
Sworn before me this 27th day of March 2002.
Charles a Gramlich
Notary Public, State of New York