**Former Podiatrist Sentenced Again After Notorious Murder Plot**
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Ira Bernstein, a former podiatrist from New York, has found himself back in the news following the revelation of a second alleged plot to murder his ex-wife, Susan Bernstein. This saga begins in 2016 when Bernstein and his then-mistress, Kelly Gribeluk, were arrested for conspiring to hire a hitman to kill Susan. Both were sentenced to prison, with Bernstein serving four years before his release in 2021.
The initial conspiracy unfolded in early 2016 when the couple attempted to engage a car salesman to help them hire a hitman, offering $100,000 for the job. However, their plan quickly unraveled when the salesman contacted law enforcement and aided authorities by recording their incriminating conversations. By January 2017, Bernstein and Gribeluk had pleaded guilty to various charges related to the plot.
At the sentencing, Susan Bernstein described her estranged husband as an “evil and cold-hearted narcissist.” She expressed her terror at the lengths he would go to avoid a divorce, revealing that he had allegedly claimed it was cheaper to have her killed than to end their marriage through legal means.
Despite his release from prison, Bernstein’s troubles were far from over. In May 2023, he was indicted again; this time, prosecutors accused him of trying to destroy evidence related to a second murder plot against Susan. Allegations suggested that Bernstein spoke to a former colleague about the plan to have his ex-wife killed, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour.
Ira Bernstein first met Susan during their college years at the University of Pennsylvania and the couple eventually married and had three children. However, relations deteriorated over time, leading to allegations of domestic violence on Susan’s part and infidelity on Bernstein’s end. His affair with Gribeluk grew while the couple was enduring marital strife, leading Susan to file for divorce in 2014.
In the fallout from their initial crime, Bernstein’s life took a dramatic turn. He was incarcerated for four years, but within a year of his release, he reportedly attempted to hatch another plan against Susan. Prosecutors revealed that around August and September of 2022, Bernstein met with a landscaper regarding the possibility of hiring a second hit on his ex-wife. The landscaper, sensing something amiss, contacted authorities, claiming that he had recorded their discussion.
In March 2026, during his court proceedings, Bernstein pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence as authorities sought accountability for his actions. His attorney defended him, stating that he was cornered into these discussions by the landscaper, and claimed there was “no solicitation” for a crime.
In the wake of Bernstein’s repeat actions, Susan has since rebuilt her life. Now divorced, she has channels her experiences into a divorce coaching business. Susan shared her fears regarding Bernstein’s failure to learn from his past actions, stating, “The possibility of yet another murder attempt is not speculative.” She continues to publically voice her concerns about her safety, an unsettling reminder of the life-threatening circumstances she faces as a result of her ex-husband’s conduct.
The case has captured significant media attention, especially with the recent additions to the narrative featured in episodes of Dateline. The show previously reported on Bernstein and Gribeluk’s initial plot in a 2017 episode titled “The Target” and recently revisited the troubling events in “Take Two,” which aired on March 13, 2023.
As the story unfolds, Bernstein faces a sentence of 1.5 to 3 years for his recent conviction. His actions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of domestic issues and the dangers that can arise when relationships turn volatile. Susan Bernstein’s continued efforts to advocate for herself and others highlight the need for awareness around domestic violence, even in its most extreme manifestations.