Daryl Berman, 72, has been convicted of murdering her husband David Berman, 84, after insisting he died accidentally by falling onto a knife in their kitchen. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, following a week-long retrial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, after an initial jury failed to reach a verdict.
Incident Details
The fatal incident occurred on March 13, 2025, at the couple's home on Butterstile Lane in Prestwich. Berman called emergency services at 1:55 PM, reporting her husband was wounded. Paramedics pronounced David Berman dead at 2:39 PM. The prosecution argued that Berman stabbed her husband intentionally, though the motive remains unknown. Prosecutor Michael Brady KC stated she acted 'for a reason known only to her.'
A Home Office pathologist, Dr. Philip Lumb, determined the stab wound had 'typical features of a homicide' and that an accidental fall was 'very unlikely to have caused the fatal wound.' Additionally, Mr. Berman had a defensive wound on his finger, indicating a struggle.
Relationship and Background
The court heard that the couple had a 27-year marriage described as 'loving and mutually supportive,' with no history of domestic violence or police involvement. Berman was portrayed as a 'very supportive and loving wife.' However, prosecutors noted that family members found her behavior after David's death unusually emotionless and matter-of-fact.
David Berman had been diagnosed with dementia, used a walking stick, and experienced breathlessness in the days before his death, but his family said he had been in relatively good health. On the day of his death, he had spent time with his daughter and great-granddaughter at a play centre.
Berman's Account and Police Response
In her 999 call, Berman performed CPR under operator guidance. She told police that after lunch, her husband volunteered to carry her tray to the kitchen. She heard a stumble and a fall, then found him face down on the kitchen floor with a pool of blood. She initially thought it was gravy. She stated, 'I took the sheet off his face and lay down next to him and cradled his head and told him I loved him.'
When questioned, Berman said, 'I don't know. I was in the other room. I think there was a knife. I don't know whether the little knife that was there has gone into him and stabbed him.' She also asked a police officer, 'You don't think I've murdered him, do you?' Initially, the death was not considered suspicious, but a post-mortem examination five days later raised alarm, leading to her arrest that evening.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Defense barrister Michael Hayton KC asked Berman if she murdered her husband, to which she replied, 'Why would I do that to the man I love? No.' She claimed she had no idea how he died. The jury convicted her of murder after deliberation. Berman has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 3.
Sazeeda Ismail, senior Crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated: '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.'
