To
Hon. George E. Pataki
Governor, State of New York,
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
March 25, 2002
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 many 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. 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 this hearing. Unfortunately, no one from the media had asked for 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 seriouly wounded, I wish to
share my thoughts about parole. I believe this will help to ease your concern and theirs.
I am disapointed 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 whatever to try to obtain parole.
For example, I have never asked anyone be they a friend or minister, to write a letter of support in 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 who I have hurt, and for 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 itme to read
my letter. I hope it has brought some clarity to this matter. I pray dearly that those families will be able to
have some peace and closure very soon.
Respectfully
David Berkowitz
Sent to the Governor's office via Certified Mail/Return Reciept on 27 March 2002
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person to whom it is addressed.
