The Ultimate Evil

1. A Chilling Campus Murder Unveils a Web of Deceit

Always in motion, she passed some of her idle hours at Stanford with frequent, long walks around the campus — sometimes jogging to release her pent-up energy.

Arlis Perry's tragic fate. In 1974, the brutal murder of Arlis Perry at Stanford Memorial Church sent shockwaves through the tranquil campus. The crime scene, described as "ritualistic and satanic," hinted at a darkness far beyond a simple act of violence. The initial investigation focused on local sex offenders, overlooking crucial clues that pointed elsewhere.

Missed opportunities. Despite the presence of potential leads, such as a mysterious visitor to Arlis's workplace and the theft of her grave marker, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department failed to connect the dots. The investigation was hampered by a narrow focus and a reluctance to explore alternative theories.

A web of secrets. The withholding of key information from the public, including the description of a man seen entering the church and the FBI's palmprint analysis, further fueled suspicions of a cover-up. The case remained unsolved, leaving a community haunted by unanswered questions and a lingering sense of unease.

2. The .44 Caliber Killer Grips New York in Terror

I am still here. Like a spirit roaming the night.

A city under siege. In the summer of 1977, New York City was paralyzed by fear as the .44 Caliber Killer, later known as Son of Sam, terrorized its streets. A series of seemingly random shootings targeting young women and couples created an atmosphere of panic and suspicion. The NYPD's task force, despite its size, struggled to make progress, overwhelmed by a deluge of tips and hampered by internal conflicts.

Media frenzy and public hysteria. The press played a significant role in amplifying the fear, with sensationalized headlines and constant coverage of the investigation. Citizens took extreme measures to protect themselves, cutting their hair short and buying blond wigs. The city's collective psyche was consumed by the hunt for the elusive killer.

Flawed investigation. The NYPD's investigation was plagued by misinformation, internal rivalries, and a rush to judgment. The focus on a single gunman and a specific type of weapon led to the suppression of evidence and the dismissal of alternative theories. The pressure to solve the case quickly overshadowed the pursuit of truth.

3. A Letter from Hell: The Birth of Son of Sam

I am the "Son of Sam."

The Borrelli letter. The discovery of a letter addressed to a police captain at the scene of a double murder marked a turning point in the Son of Sam case. The letter, filled with macabre imagery and references to a "Father Sam," provided a chilling glimpse into the mind of the killer.

A carefully constructed persona. The letter's contents, while seemingly deranged, were carefully crafted to create a specific image of the killer. The references to demons, dog commands, and a troubled childhood served to paint a picture of a deranged loner driven by supernatural forces.

Suppressed evidence. Despite its potential value, the Borrelli letter was withheld from the public, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. The letter's specific details, such as the killer's residential setting and the planned location of the next attack, could have provided valuable leads. The decision to suppress this information raises questions about the true motives of those in charge of the investigation.

4. A Tangled Web of Evidence and Suppressed Truths

Careers were made, reputations enhanced. It was all constructed on a foundation of sand, and — quite frankly — on the graves of future victims.

Conflicting composites. The police released composite sketches of the suspect that varied wildly, indicating that multiple individuals may have been involved. This crucial detail was downplayed in favor of the "lone wolf" narrative.

Political pressure. The mayor's reelection campaign created pressure for a quick resolution to the case. This political agenda may have influenced the investigation, leading to the suppression of evidence and the premature acceptance of a single suspect.

A flawed confession. Despite inconsistencies and contradictions, David Berkowitz's confession was readily accepted by authorities. The rush to close the case overshadowed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.

5. The Trail Leads to a North Dakota Grave

The Dakotas are ruggedly beautiful in their simplicity and remoteness.

Arlis Perry's North Dakota roots. The investigation into Arlis Perry's murder took a surprising turn when clues began to surface in Bismarck, North Dakota. The revelation that Arlis had a visitor from Bismarck shortly before her death, coupled with the theft of her grave marker, suggested a connection to her past.

A satanic connection. Rumors of Arlis's involvement in attempts to convert members of a satanic cult to Christianity added another layer of complexity to the case. While the Santa Clara detectives dismissed these leads, they hinted at a possible motive for the killing.

A cold case. Despite the potential significance of these clues, the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department failed to pursue them aggressively. The case gradually drifted to an "open but inactive" file, leaving Arlis Perry's murder unsolved.

6. The Haunting Echoes of a Past Crime

Unlike a number of other high-profile criminals, Berkowitz kept himself invisible.

Berkowitz's silence. David Berkowitz, unlike many other high-profile criminals, remained silent for years, refusing to speak to the media about the Son of Sam case. This silence, coupled with the many unanswered questions surrounding the investigation, fueled suspicions of a larger conspiracy.

A chance for answers. In 1993, Berkowitz unexpectedly agreed to tell his story on national television, but only as much as he felt safe in doing. This interview, the first he had ever done about the Son of Sam shootings, reignited public interest in the case.

A new investigation. In 1996, the police department in Yonkers, where Berkowitz had lived, opened a new probe into the Son of Sam case. This investigation, combined with Berkowitz's willingness to speak, led to the development of important new leads and the possibility of future indictments.

7. A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Darkness

If the press is to be the government's watchdog, it might be mindful that its goal is to transcend simple reporting of what is often merely self-serving "spin" hidden under a wardrobe of purported truth.

A call for transparency. The author emphasizes the importance of government transparency and accountability. The Son of Sam case, with its mishandling and suppression of evidence, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.

The role of the press. The author urges the press to be more than just a mouthpiece for official narratives. He calls for investigative journalism that transcends self-serving "spin" and seeks to uncover the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

A need for vigilance. The author warns against complacency and encourages the public to remain vigilant in the face of potential threats. The Son of Sam case, with its roots in organized evil, serves as a reminder that such forces can thrive when left unchecked.

8. The Unraveling of a Twisted Alliance

. . . the real terror lies in the national expanse of the Son of Sam and related cases, and in the knowledge that many of those involved, including masterminds, are still walking the streets today.

Berkowitz's limited role. The author expresses skepticism about Berkowitz's claim of sole culpability, suggesting that he may have been a pawn in a larger game. The real terror, he argues, lies in the knowledge that the masterminds behind the Son of Sam killings are still at large.

A network of influence. The author uncovers evidence of a volatile consortium whose tentacles extended far beyond New York. This network, comprised of jaded allies in influential positions, enabled the cult group to thrive and continue its operations.

A well-connected criminal cabal. The author reveals the existence of a well-connected criminal cabal that some authorities today regard as "active and dangerous." This group, aligned with U.S. hate groups, radical movements, and militias, continues to stain America on the eve of the millennium.

9. A Coast-to-Coast Conspiracy Emerges

But the opening line — although no one knew it then — was written in blood more than two decades ago, on a serene university campus in California.

The Arlis Perry connection. The author reveals that the Son of Sam case is linked to the murder of Arlis Perry at Stanford University. This connection suggests that the roots of the conspiracy extend far beyond New York City.

A national network of evil. The author uncovers evidence of a coast-to-coast conspiracy involving a satanic cult and its allies. This network, with its roots in California and its branches in New York, North Dakota, and elsewhere, represents a significant threat to public safety.

A call for action. The author urges federal agencies, such as the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, to take action against this subversive group. He argues that their failure to do so has allowed the cult to thrive and continue its operations.

10. The Ultimate Evil: A Legacy of Violence and Deception

So, more than anything else, this book is an examination of a volatile consortium which evolved with the times, altered its face and constructed a facade which it burrowed into the 1990s American landscape.

A well-connected criminal cabal. The author reveals the existence of a well-connected criminal cabal that some authorities today regard as "active and dangerous." This group, aligned with U.S. hate groups, radical movements, and militias, continues to stain America on the eve of the millennium.

A call for action. The author urges federal agencies, such as the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, to take action against this subversive group. He argues that their failure to do so has allowed the cult to thrive and continue its operations.

A legacy of violence and deception. The author concludes by expressing his hope that the lessons learned from this investigation will help ensure that such horror and related official transgressions will not go unrecognized in the future. He calls for a more vigilant press and more effective law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Last updated: April 13, 2025