Westfield man faces sentencing for deadly drug sale

A Westfield man is set to be sentenced today after being convicted in a deadly drug case. 1022 News reporter Nick Antonakis is live in Northampton with everything we know about the case and when we can expect a decision from the judge. Kayleigh Julia, Christopher Hala, he's 43 years old and he faces up to 20 years in prison for manslaughter by selling deadly drugs. Hala claimed he sold pills that were oxycodone to 57-year-old P.J. Susan Goldenberg of South Hadley who died of an overdose in May of 2024. Investigators would later uncover that those pills contain metonidazine, a powerful synthetic opiate that's even stronger than fentanyl. Following a five-day trial, the jury found Hala guilty of manslaughter and tampering with evidence. The district attorney's office describes Hala telling a friend to get rid of his remaining drug supply after he heard about Goldenberg's death. Prosecutors argue this proposed sentence holds Hala accountable for the dangers he created involving illegal drugs which can contain deadly substances in just a single dose. Now Hala's sentencing is expected to happen here at Hampshire County Courthouse at some point today. Working for you live in Northampton, Nick Antonakis, 22 News.