Woman, 70, charged with murder after 'lovely man' with 'big heart' found dead

Police said the injuries he sustained were 'suspicious'

A 70-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of a man whose body was discovered at his home in March.

David Berman, 84, who neighbours described as a 'lovely man', was found dead at his home on Butterstile Lane in Prestwich on March 13. Greater Manchester Police said that after 'initial enquiries' and a post-mortem, the injuries he sustained were deemed 'suspicious'.

Daryl Berman, 70, also of Butterstile Lane, has now been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody.

She is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (June 10).

Following his death, neighbours described Mr Berman as a 'lovely man' with a 'big heart'.

Those living near to Mr Berman said he was a joiner who had only recently retired and had lived on the street for several decades.

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. Police remained in attendance at the property throughout the day.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Specialist Search Team vans were parked outside Mr Berman's property after his body was discovered, with officers seen going in and out. Items were brought out in clear bags.

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 our website.