Expert doubts 'Son of Sam' remorse

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The New York killer known as "Son of Sam" is incapable of feeling regret despite his latest attempt at forgiveness, a criminal expert says.

David Berkowitz is serving six life sentences for killing six people 30 years ago in New York City. Last week, he issued a letter from his prison cell in Fallsburg, N.Y., saying he had found religion and was sorry for the pain he caused his victims' families, New York Newsday reported Tuesday.

"I would give my own life if I could undo the tragic past," Berkowitz said.

The letter was in marked contrast to what Berkowitz wrote during his killing spree to columnist Jimmy Breslin. "Hello from the gutters of N.Y.C., which are filled with dog manure, vomit, stale wine, urine and blood," Berkowitz's letter to Breslin began.

Berkowitz's remorse is a ploy to keep the public's attention, said Robert D. Keppel, a professor at the University of New Haven, who has studied serial killers for more than three decades.

"The only remorse or regret a serial killer has is for being caught," Keppel said.