E166 When Darkness Meets Mercy: A Killer’s Redemption

Download MP3
#3 of Series: Something Deeper This Way Comes-

Ever wondered what redemption looks like for a serial killer? This episode’s going to challenge everything you think you know about good, evil, and the reach of God’s mercy. Brandon, Lindsy, and co-host Jen Parks unravel the story of David Berkowitz—yes, the Son of Sam—and his journey from demonic chaos to radical transformation. They explore the trauma, lies, and spiritual strongholds that shaped his life, and how Jesus met him in a prison cell. From cult involvement and MKUltra theories to deep emotional healing and true crime rabbit holes, this one goes there. What if the worst of the worst can be redeemed?

https://unrefinedpodcast.com
BECOME a SPONSOR--> https://join.unrefinedpodcast.com
https://www.ariseandshine.org/

Timestamps:
00:56 Redemption or jailhouse con?
02:45 Jen's obsession with true crime
04:58 John Douglas, Mindhunter, and SRA doubt
07:12 Ritual abuse denial and its consequences
09:37 Berkowitz’s testimony and Jen’s skepticism
11:59 Monster Mirror and shared humanity
14:25 Process Church connections and spiritual warfare
16:42 Identity, shame, and God's long game
19:01 Jailhouse salvation myths busted
21:25 Early trauma and emotional abandonment
23:47 Adoption trauma and never feeling at home
26:08 Push-pull love and attachment issues
28:25 Shame, guilt, and performance Christianity
30:48 Firestarting, self-harm, and brain trauma
33:14 How the Process Church love-bombed him
35:30 Programmed to kill and lone shooter myths
37:54 Samhain, occult cryptids, and symbolism
40:17 MKUltra, authors, and childhood disillusionment
42:46 The quiet moment of salvation in a prison cell
45:07 Redemption fruit and prison ministry
47:33 Identity lies, Genesis truth, and the orphan spirit
49:55 Losing your individuality in cults
52:09 Dying to self vs. killing your uniqueness
54:36 Enemy’s playbook and emotional triggers
56:59 Why media ignores Berkowitz’s redemption
59:17 A letter-writing ministry to the lost
01:01:39 Caparelli’s interviews and final confession
01:04:02 Final thoughts on spiritual cover-ups
01:06:22 Message of hope: no one is too far gone
 

E166 When Darkness Meets Mercy: A Killer’s Redemption
Broadcast by