David Burnham, the renowned investigative reporter for The New York Times, passed away earlier this week at the age of 91. His groundbreaking journalism exposed deep-seated corruption within the New York Police Department during the 1970s, work which served as the inspiration for the acclaimed film Serpico. Burnham's wife, Joanne Omang, shared the news of his passing, stating he succumbed to complications from choking during dinner at their Maine home.
Burnham’s contributions to journalism spanned decades, beginning with his hire at The Times in 1967. He wasn’t brought on board to report on the typical police beat—shootings, stabbings, and the day-to-day affairs of law enforcement. Instead, he focused on the internal workings of the police department. He quickly made his mark by reporting on officers who would frequently take naps during their overnight shifts, often due to exhaustion from holding second jobs. Despite initial pushback from higher-ups, he saw his revelations published on the front page.
His career took off after receiving significant tips from Detective Frank Serpico, who was deeply concerned about rampant corruption within the police force. Burnham followed up on these tips, leading to his most famous work: a comprehensive three-part series launching on April 25, 1970, detailing how police officers were extorting millions from businesses and criminals alike. This stunning exposé not only ignited public outrage but also prompted officials, including then-Mayor John Lindsay, to take action.
Burnham's revelations led to the formation of the Knapp Commission, established to investigate the claims of police misconduct. Serpico testified as the star witness, which culminated in the indictment of several officers. Burnham’s investigative spirit and commitment to truth established him as one of the most respected journalists of his time.
He was known for his rigorous approach to fact-checking and his insistence on integrity within the journalistic process. Burnham's dedication inspired many young journalists to pursue investigative work, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency within public institutions.
While Serpico, released in 1973 and starring Al Pacino, brought significant attention to Burnham’s reporting, he initially declined to co-author a book on the subject with Serpico. He believed he could maintain his journalistic integrity and avoid becoming merely a character within Hollywood’s retelling of real events.
Later, Burnham transitioned to The Times’ Washington Bureau, where he continued to expose safety violations at nuclear facilities and became known for investigating whistleblower claims. His endeavors led him to report on such incidents as Karen Silkwood, whose story of contamination and subsequent mysterious death was adapted for film with Meryl Streep playing the lead role. Despite the fame of such portrayals, Burnham stood firm on principles of how journalists should be portrayed, even stating he preferred not to have his name included within Silkwood’s film version.
Burnham later left The Times and penned successful books investigating governmental institutions—titles such as A Law Unto Itself: Power, Politics and the IRS and Above the Law: Secret Deals, Political Fixes and Other Misadventures of the U.S. Department of Justice earned him recognition and continued success within the field of investigative journalism.
To continue his legacy, he helped establish the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) project at Syracuse University. This initiative remains active today, serving as a significant database for journalists seeking access to public records, showcasing Burnham's enduring impact on transparency advocacy.
Remembered fondly by many, his legacy lives on through countless journalists who adhere to the principles he modeled. The community of investigative journalism is mourning the loss of one of its greats. Frank Serpico himself honored Burnham with poignant words on social media: “Couldn’t have done it without you, David,” along with emojis demonstrating appreciation and remembrance.
Burnham is survived by his wife, Joanne Omang, along with two daughters from his first marriage, Sarah Tayloe Burnham and Molly Bright Burnham, and four grandchildren, all of whom carry on his spirit of inquiry and commitment to integrity.
