PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After decades of incarceration stemming from a violent crime, a Massachusetts man is set to be granted parole once again. David Sibinich, who has a troubled history intertwined with efforts to regain stability, will receive another chance at rehabilitation from the Massachusetts Parole Board.
In December 1980, Sibinich, then 22, was apprehended inside the home of 80-year-old Esther Berenholc. Authorities discovered her tied up and beaten, with signs of struggle evident throughout the room. Berenholc alleged that Sibinich had attempted to suffocate her with a pillow and inflict further harm before he bound her. Forensic evidence included blood and stuffing from the pillow found on Sibinich, and a diamond ring belonging to the elderly woman was later discovered in his possession.
Following Berenholc’s passing from natural causes two months later, Sibinich faced charges that included armed robbery and attempted murder. His 1982 jury trial concluded with a life sentence, though he was given the possibility of parole. After years of hearings and multiple parole violations, he was released in 2007, only to be returned to custody five years later due to another infraction.
Although Sibinich faced additional setbacks, including parole denials in 2013 and again in 2024, his most recent assessment by the parole board indicates progress. During a hearing in August 2025, board members acknowledged Sibinich’s lack of violent behavior since his original offense, although they noted that he continues to confront issues related to substance use. The board emphasized the importance of his commitment to sobriety, stating that he recognizes the need for continuous support and treatment.
Despite opposition from Berkshire County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Pieropan, the board’s unanimous decision granted Sibinich parole on January 21. The board believed that his re-entry plan effectively addressed critical areas for his rehabilitation, and they anticipate he will enroll in a long-term residential program, namely Soldier On, pending district attorney approval.
This decision marks a significant moment for Sibinich, who has worked diligently over the years to distance himself from a violent past. As he prepares for this new chapter, the focus will be on whether he can fully invest in his recovery journey, overcoming the challenges that have previously hindered him. The Parole Board’s decision reflects the ongoing debate about rehabilitation versus punishment, a topic that remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding criminal justice reform.