A woman has been convicted of murdering her husband after claiming he fell on a small knife in their kitchen. Daryl Berman, 72, insisted that the death of her husband, David Berman, 84, was accidental despite sustaining a fatal chest wound during an incident at their residence on Butterstile Lane, Prestwich, in March the previous year.
Following a retrial at Minshull Street Crown Court, where jurors from the initial trial failed to reach a verdict, Berman was found guilty of murder. Prosecutors alleged that Berman stabbed her husband without a disclosed motive. The case was reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Emergency services were called by Berman at 1:55 pm on March 13, 2025, to report her husband’s injury, who was declared dead at their home at 2:39 pm. Subsequently, a senior pathologist was consulted due to concerns raised by another doctor regarding the nature of the injury.
According to Home Office pathologist Dr. Philip Lumb, the stab wound exhibited characteristics consistent with a homicide. He stated that an accidental fall was highly improbable as the cause of the fatal injury. Additionally, Mr. Berman had a defensive wound on his finger.
Despite a 27-year marriage described as affectionate and mutually supportive, with no history of domestic violence or police intervention, prosecutors highlighted unusual behavior from Berman after her husband’s passing. Family members noticed her lack of emotion and matter-of-fact demeanor following the death.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mr. Berman had been diagnosed with dementia, used a walking stick, and had been experiencing respiratory issues in the days leading up to his demise. However, he was reportedly in relatively good health compared to previous times.
On the day of the incident, Mr. Berman had been at a play center with his daughter and great-granddaughter. Berman contacted emergency services and administered CPR as instructed by the operator upon finding her husband injured in the kitchen.
In her defense, Berman emotionally recounted her actions and disbelief upon discovering her husband’s condition. When asked about the accusations of murder, she vehemently denied harming her beloved spouse, stressing her love and dedication to him.
Berman was detained pending sentencing scheduled for July 3. Senior Crown prosecutor Sazeeda Ismail from the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized Berman’s intentional actions leading to her husband’s demise and her deceitful behavior towards authorities and family members. The jury’s conviction was based on the strength of the prosecution’s case, offering condolences to the loved ones of David Berman during this challenging period.