‘Lovely’ David Berman, 84, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester earlier this year – with suspect Daryl Berman, 70, due to appear at a court hearing on Tuesday
A 70-year-old woman has been charged with murder after an elderly man was found dead at a property in Greater Manchester earlier this year. David Berman, 84, who was described by neighbours as a “well-mannered gentleman” with a “big heart”, was found dead at his home on Butterstile Lane in Prestwich on March 13.
After initial enquiries and a post-mortem, his injuries were deemed “suspicious,” prompting Greater Manchester Police to launch a murder probe. Daryl Berman, 70, also of Butterstile Lane, has now been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody before ahead of a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 10.
After Mr Berman’s death, shocked neighbours said he was a “lovely man” who wouldn’t say a bad thing about anybody.
Locals said Mr Berman was a joiner had lived on the street for several decades and had only recently retired, Manchester Evening News reports.
One said: “He was a nice guy. I would see him going up and down the street to get his paper. I would have a crack with him. It’s a bit of a shock. I just can’t believe it. It’s not something you expect to happen on your doorstep.”
Another said: “He was a lovely, well-mannered gentleman. He seemed like he had a big heart. When we moved in, he was the first to come and say hello and see if we were okay.
“He was just a really nice person. He wouldn’t say anything bad about anybody. He was a carpenter, and he only retired last year, which goes to show what he was like. It’s a big shock.”
Police were called to the property on Butterstile Lane on March 13 where the body of a 84-year-old man was found and was later identified as David Berman. Officers arrested the 70-year-old woman on suspicion of murder and remained on scene throughout the day.
Police confirmed the victim and suspect were both known to each other. A cordon was placed around the property, and crime scene investigators (CSI) remained at the house overnight and throughout the day as detectives worked to gather evidence.
A statement from Greater Manchester police reads: “We have charged a woman with murder in connection with the death of an 84-year-old man in Bury in March.
“We were called to Butterstile Lane, Prestwich, on Thursday 13 March 2025 where the body of an 84-year-old man was found.
“He was later identified as David Berman. Following an investigation by our Major Incident Team, Daryl Berman (17/6/1964), of Butterstile Lane, Prestwich, has been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (10/6/25).
“Officers are still looking for information in connection with the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1771 of 13/03/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by using the reporting tools on their website.