On July 29, 1976, David Berkowitz, later infamously known as the 'Son of Sam,' committed a violent attack in New York City that would mark the onset of a notorious criminal spree. Berkowitz targeted a 19-year-old woman named Jody Valenti and her companion, who was seriously injured. As they sat in their car in the Pelham Bay area of the Bronx, Berkowitz approached and opened fire with a .44 caliber revolver, striking Valenti's companion, who would later succumb to his wounds. This senseless act not only took a life but left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty, as it appeared to be one of the first random shootings that destroyed the perception of safety in urban settings at the time.

The police investigation into this shooting quickly followed, but Berkowitz would not be apprehended until a year later after committing a series of similar attacks across New York City. The randomness of his targets—primarily young women—created a palpable sense of dread throughout the city. As the media caught wind of the shooter, the name 'Son of Sam' became widely known, inspired by a letter Berkowitz sent to the police taunting them for their inability to catch him, which only fueled public fear and interest in the case.

As the summer of 1976 progressed, residents began to change their habits, avoiding late-night outings and becoming more cautious in their daily lives. This chilling event was a precursor to a wider panic, capable of transforming a city that prided itself on its vibrant nightlife and safety into one overshadowed by the fear of violence.