Today in History - May 8 | Bizarre reason serial killer gave for shooting spree
On May 8, 1978, David Berkowitz, the most infamous serial killer in New York City, pleaded guilty to shooting dead six people.
The former US soldier became known as the 'Son of Sam' after taunting letters from him to police investigating the case were printed in newspapers.
Berkowitz committed his first murder in July 29, 1976, shooting dead his victim while she sat in a car.
But police did not realise there was a serial killer on the loose until another two people had been murdered.
He was eventually captured after being linked to the scene of the final killing through a parking ticket issued when he left his car parked illegally.
Berkowitz soon confessed and claimed he was ordered to kill by a neighbour's dog possessed by the devil.
2003
Renowned naturalist broadcaster, and documentary filmmaker, David Attenborough, was born in London on May 8, 1926.
From the 1950s, his popular BBC television programmes, showing him trekking remote parts of the world, brought wildlife and ancient cultures to millions of viewers.
He later became a champion of the environment, warning about the dangers of climate change.
Millions of people celebrated Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 1945, when six years of fighting on the continent during World War II came to an end.
Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, centre, joined the Royal family, from left, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at London, before thousands of cheering people.
Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen who had fought in Europe also joined in the VE Day party.
Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Allies turned to defeating its ally Japan. It surrendered in August 1945 bringing World War II to a final close.
The volcano Mount Pelée on the French overseas island of Martinique in the Caribbean erupted on May 8, 1902, killing 30,000 people.
The disaster was the deadliest volcanic eruption in the 20th century and left only two survivors.
On May 8, 1963. Americans were introduced to the film version of super spy James Bond when Dr No was released in the country's cinemas.
Starring little-known British actor Sean Connery and Switzerland's Ursula Andress, the first Bond movie was a hit and helped establish the film franchise as a global phenomenon.
Protests in Australia against the Vietnam War culminated in the first Moratorium march in capital cities on May 8. 1970.
More than 200,000 demonstrators took to the streets protesting against Australia's support for the US in the conflict.
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