A Massachusetts man who once attempted to smother an 80‑year‑old woman has spent decades trying to rebuild his life. Now, despite ongoing struggles with substance use, the Massachusetts Parole Board is prepared to give him another chance.
On Dec. 15, 1980, 22-year-old David Sibinich was found by police inside the house of 80-year-old Esther Berenholc. She was tightly tied with wire, lying on the floor in her bedroom. She had been beaten and badly bruised about the face. Her fingers were also cut in several places, and she suffered multiple cut wounds on her head.
She told the officers that Sibinich had tried to smother her with a pillow and choke her, before tying her up. The officers saw pillow stuffing scattered around the room and also saw stuffing and blood on Sibinich’s clothing and body.
Police found a diamond ring, later identified as belonging to Berenholc, in one of Sibinich’s pockets. Sibinich claimed Berenholc had given him the ring that night.
Nearly two months later, Berenholc died of natural causes.
After a jury trial in Berkshire Superior Court in March 1982, Sibinich was convicted of armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
He first had a parole hearing in 1996, but parole was denied. He had additional hearings in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005, and was released on parole in 2007. However, he was returned to custody due to a parole violation in 2012.
He had another parole hearing in 2013. But did not get parole again until 2020.
Once again, in 2024, he was returned to custody due to a parole violation.
On Aug. 6, 2025, Sibinich appeared before the parole board for a review hearing.
The parole board noted that he has not committed any violent acts since the original offense. But he continues to struggle with substance use issues.
“The Board finds that Mr. Sibinich needs to invest in his sobriety which he acknowledges as an area where he needs support and treatment,” the parole board wrote.
Berkshire County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Pieropan was against parole.
But the board stated Sibinich’s re-entry plan “addresses appropriate needs areas.”
A unanimous decision by the parole board granted Sibinich parole on Jan. 21. He was expected to go to a Long-Term Residential Program, preferably Soldier On, after the district attorney’s clearance.
