NORTHAMPTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Christopher Halla, 43, of Westfield, was sentenced today to 5 to 7 years in state prison following his manslaughter conviction earlier this month. 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. 

From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:

Westfield Man Sentenced to State Prison for Manslaughter
in Overdose Death
NORTHAMPTON – Christopher Halla, 43, of Westfield, was sentenced today to 5 to 7 years in state prison
following his manslaughter conviction earlier this month. 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.

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