The district attorney sought $1 million bail, but the court released the 22-year-old defendant pending trial.
THE BRONX, N.Y. — A judge released 22-year-old Christopher Joseph without bail on Dec. 10 in a case alleging he stabbed Bronx resident Kaitlynn Berman 22 times on March 22, according to police and prosecutors. Berman, who spoke publicly this week, said she remains on edge as the case returns to court next month.
Prosecutors charged Joseph on March 23 with 13 counts, including attempted murder, after police arrested him a day after the attack. At the recent hearing, Judge Darlene R. Goldberg ordered release on recognizance over a prosecution request to set $1 million bail. The judge’s decision keeps Joseph in the community under court supervision and requires him to appear again Jan. 16. The district attorney’s office says it continues to prepare the case and will pursue the charges while complying with discovery rules and scheduling set by the court.
Investigators say the attack involved a kitchen knife and left Berman with multiple wounds. She was treated and later discharged. Court officials did not immediately provide additional detail on the release conditions beyond the recognizance order. The defense has not issued a detailed public statement on the allegations. It is unknown whether Joseph will seek a plea deal or proceed to trial. Prosecutors say they argued for bail based on the seriousness of the charges and the number of wounds described in the complaint, but the request was denied during the hearing.
The ruling lands amid ongoing debate over New York’s bail framework, which directs judges to assess a defendant’s likelihood to return to court and limits cash bail in some categories. In violent felony cases, judges also consider the specific charges and case facts presented in court. The disagreement in this case highlights the space between prosecutorial requests and judicial discretion. Supporters of tighter detention rules emphasize victim safety and the message to would-be offenders, while defense advocates stress the presumption of innocence and the harms of holding people who have not been convicted.
Next steps include routine pretrial conferences, possible motion practice and any grand jury actions if prosecutors seek additional counts. The Jan. 16 date in Bronx Criminal Court is expected to address discovery status and scheduling. If the case is indicted and moved to Supreme Court, the defendant would be arraigned there and future hearings would be set. For now, the recognizance order remains in place and requires Joseph to keep court dates while the case proceeds through its early stages.
On Berman’s block, neighbors described a quiet winter week marked by lingering unease. A relative said they are focused on her recovery as the calendar turns to January. Outside the courthouse, a small group discussed the schedule and compared notes on what to expect at the next appearance. The building’s security line moved quickly as attorneys and families entered for other matters later in the morning, a typical scene in a busy borough court.
The case stands with no cash bail and a firm return date. Attorneys are scheduled to update the judge on Jan. 16, and the court could set further deadlines for motions and evidence exchange at that time.
Author note: Last updated December 17, 2025.