Rockland County Podiatrist’s Failed Murder Plots
A podiatrist from Rockland County recently expressed regret after his first unsuccessful attempt to murder his wife. Dr. Ira Bernstein’s turbulent marriage, previously highlighted in court documents, played a key role in the proceedings.
During a court appearance in 2017, he described himself as “humiliated, humble, and frankly embarrassing.” Facing his ex-wife, Susan, he acknowledged the challenges of their marriage. “We had a very stressful marriage, but no matter what, there’s no justification for plotting to have you murdered,” he told her. They have three children together.
However, Bernstein’s attempts to show remorse seemed short-lived. This week, he admitted to tampering with evidence related to his second murder plot, according to prosecutors.
After serving four years in prison, Bernstein arranged for another murder attempt less than a year later. Earlier plans included recording a conversation where he allegedly solicited a landscaper to kill Susan and tried to destroy incriminating files.
The couple married in August 2001 but faced significant issues about 15 years later, eventually leading to their divorce.
During his 2017 sentencing, Susan made her frustrations clear. “He hasn’t provided proper support for me or our children since his guilty plea,” she asserted.
While she struggled, she noted Bernstein was living a comfortable life, enjoying vacations and luxuries. “He has money, but I struggle to pay for our child’s therapist,” she lamented.
In 2017, Susan filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of their children over the earlier murder conspiracy; however, Bernstein countered with accusations against her.
Legal documents indicate that Susan sought divorce twice over the years. She even accused him of using their children as manipulation in their divorce proceedings.
In April 2016, she gave him a birthday card expressing love, only to file for divorce again shortly after.
Prosecutors revealed that during the first murder attempt, Bernstein and his then-girlfriend tried to hire someone for $100,000 to kill Susan but were caught by the intended hitman.
Recently, Susan initiated another civil lawsuit regarding the second murder plot, which remains ongoing.
Bernstein was sentenced in December and could face 1.5 to 3 years in prison for his efforts to destroy evidence related to the second conspiracy. His sister, Jaclyn Goldberg, was also implicated in the tampering and may reach a resolution in her case within six months if she stays out of trouble.
