Daryl Berman, a 72-year-old woman, has been found guilty of murdering her husband, David Berman, 84, at their home on Butterstile Lane in Prestwich, Bury. The conviction came after a week-long retrial at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Berman had claimed her husband's death was accidental, stating he fell onto a small paring knife she had used for lunch.
Fatal Stabbing in the Kitchen
Prosecutor Michael Brady KC told the court that Berman deliberately stabbed her husband in the chest 'for a reason known only to her.' The incident occurred in March 2025. Berman called 999 at 1:55 PM on March 13, reporting her husband was injured. He was pronounced dead at their home at 2:39 PM.
Initially, Berman's account was accepted by police. However, a senior pathologist was called in after another doctor expressed concern about the injury. Home Office pathologist Dr. Philip Lumb reported that the stab wound had 'typical features of a homicide.' He stated that while not impossible, an accidental fall was 'very unlikely to have caused the fatal wound.'
Defensive Wound and Lack of Domestic Violence History
Mr. Berman also had a 'defensive' wound on his finger. The couple had been married for 27 years, described as 'loving and mutually supportive,' with no record of domestic violence or police involvement. Berman was portrayed as a 'very supportive and loving wife.'
Prosecutors noted that Mr. Berman's family observed unusual aspects of Berman's behavior after his death. 'Although there is no set way to respond to and deal with grief in the days following David's death, members of his family noticed how matter of fact and emotionless the defendant was,' Mr. Brady said.
Background and Events Leading to the Death
Mr. Berman had been diagnosed with dementia, used a walking stick, and had suffered from shortness of breath in the ten days prior. However, Mr. Brady added that he had been 'in the best health his family had seen for some time.' On the day of his death, Mr. Berman had been with his daughter and great-granddaughter at a play center earlier.
In her 999 call, Berman said: 'I don't know. I was in the other room. He's carried a tray in. And all I can see is the tray. I think there was a knife. I don't know whether the little knife that was there has gone into him and stabbed him. I really don't know what's happened.'
Police Investigation and Arrest
The first paramedic found Mr. Berman lying on his back on the kitchen floor. When a police officer arrived, Berman asked: 'You don't think I've murdered him, do you?' The officer also spoke to Mr. Berman's son, who said his father was 'clumsy' and 'always falling.' The death was not initially treated as suspicious, but concerns arose five days later during a post-mortem examination. Berman was arrested on suspicion of murder that evening.
In a police interview, Berman claimed she and her husband had lunch in the lounge, and he offered to take her tray to the kitchen. She said she heard a stumble and a fall, then a second bang and a groan. She found him face down in what she thought was gravy but was blood.
Emotional Testimony and Verdict
Giving evidence, Berman repeatedly broke down in tears. When asked how she felt after being told he died, she wept: 'I was scrambling, I didn't know what I was doing. I went into the kitchen on quite a few occasions because I just wanted to be with David. I took the sheet off his face and lay down next to him and cradled his head and told him I loved him.'
Under cross-examination, prosecutor Mr. Brady asked: 'Are you lying to this jury?' Berman replied: 'No, I'm not... everything I have said is the truth.' When asked if she stabbed him, she said: 'No I would never do that to the man I loved. It was the worst day of my life.'
Sentencing and CPS Statement
Berman was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on July 3. Sazeeda Ismail, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Daryl Berman stabbed her husband of 27 years in the chest and intentionally caused his death. She lied to paramedics, police and family members when she claimed Mr Berman had accidentally sustained his fatal injuries. The jury saw through her lies and convicted her of murder, due to the strength of the prosecution's case. My thoughts are with David Berman's loved ones at this very difficult time.'
