Podiatrist Sentenced for Tampering with Evidence in Second Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Wife

Ira Bernstein pleaded guilty to suppressing an audio recording that captured his solicitation to have his ex-wife killed.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former podiatrist from Montebello, New York has been sentenced to one-and-a-half to three years in prison for tampering with physical evidence related to a second murder-for-hire plot against his ex-wife, Susan Bernstein. Ira Bernstein, 51, previously pleaded guilty to the charge in August 2025, admitting that he suppressed an audio recording that captured his solicitation to have his ex-wife killed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the lengths some perpetrators will go to in order to harm their victims, even after being previously convicted of a similar crime. It also raises concerns about the ability of the criminal justice system to effectively deter and prevent repeat offenses.

The details

Prosecutors say that between August 4, 2022 and September 21, 2022, Bernstein suppressed an audio recording that captured his solicitation to have his ex-wife, Susan Bernstein, killed. This came after Bernstein was previously convicted in 2017 of conspiring to murder his wife and assault two insurance investigators. He was sentenced to between five and 15 years in prison for that crime, and was released in July 2021.

  • Bernstein was arrested by Ramapo police in 2016 for the first murder-for-hire plot.
  • Bernstein pleaded guilty in 2017 and was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison.
  • Bernstein was released from prison in July 2021.
  • Between August 4, 2022 and September 21, 2022, Bernstein suppressed an audio recording related to the second murder-for-hire plot.
  • Bernstein pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence on August 25, 2025.

The players

Ira Bernstein

A 51-year-old former podiatrist from Montebello, New York who has been convicted of two separate murder-for-hire plots against his ex-wife, Susan Bernstein.

Susan Bernstein

The ex-wife of Ira Bernstein, who was the target of his two separate murder-for-hire plots.

Thomas E. Walsh II

The Rockland County District Attorney who announced Ira Bernstein's sentencing.

Ramapo Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initially arrested Ira Bernstein in 2016 for the first murder-for-hire plot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's our sincere hope that this sentence sends a message loud and clear throughout this county and this state that domestic violence in any form, physical, psychological, legal, or otherwise, will not be tolerated. It must be stopped and we are glad that the defendant Ira Bernstein was held accountable today for his actions.”

— Thomas E. Walsh II, Rockland County District Attorney (patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ira Bernstein out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing domestic violence, even when perpetrators have been previously convicted and sentenced. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring repeat offenses and protecting victims from further harm.