District Attorney: Massachusetts man sentenced to prison for fatal overdose that killed mother

NORTHAMPTON – Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan has announced that a Massachusetts man has been sentenced to state prison following his manslaughter conviction earlier this month.

43-year-old Christopher Halla of Westfield was sentenced to 5 to 7 years. The sentence, imposed by Superior Court Judge Deepika Shukla, will be followed by 2 years of supervised probation upon his release.

Halla was convicted for his role in the death of PJ Susan Goldenberg, 57, of South Hadley, who died of an overdose on May 23, 2024, after being sold a deadly synthetic opioid. A jury also found Halla guilty of tampering with evidence after he instructed a friend to dispose of his remaining drug supply upon learning of the victim’s death.

The Commonwealth requested a sentence of 6 to 8 years in state prison on the manslaughter conviction, followed by an additional 2 years on the tampering with evidence charge. The defense sought a sentence of 4 to 5 years on the manslaughter conviction, with a concurrent term of 2 to 3 years on the tampering with evidence charge.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Halla sold Goldenberg pills that he claimed contained oxycodone, when in fact they contained a drug called metonitazene, a synthetic opioid more potent than fentanyl.

Prior to sentencing, the victim’s daughter, Carly Goldenberg, delivered an impact statement. Attendees at the sentencing included members of the South Hadley Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

During sentencing, the parties disputed the amount of jail credit to which Halla is entitled. Halla was arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court on September 24, 2024. On October 3, 2024, he was found in contempt in Greenfield District Court for failing to comply with a court order to provide the password to his cell phone. He remained in contempt until January 6, 2025, totaling 96 days. The Commonwealth argued that Halla should not receive credit for that time, while the defense contended that he should. Judge Shukla took the matter under advisement.

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne and Assistant District Attorney Aidan Lanciani. Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Reid provided support to witnesses throughout the proceedings.

Halla also has a pending indictment in Franklin Superior Court for possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance. That matter is scheduled for Friday at 2:00 p.m.