Manhattan District Attorney L. Bragg Jr. announced the indictment of 79-year-old Dana Escoffier on charges of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault in connection with the death of his 82-year-old neighbor, Dean Whetzel. The charges follow an altercation in October of last year that is alleged to have contributed to Whetzel’s death.
The incident took place on a rain-slicked sidewalk in the West Village. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, during a brief interaction, Escoffier attempted to move past Whetzel, who lightly tapped Escoffier's cart with his foot. This reportedly led Escoffier to shove Whetzel, causing a head injury. D.A. Bragg stated that Whetzel, who lived nearby, was pushed to the ground by his neighbor of five decades. Whetzel later died at Bellevue Hospital after nearly a month of treatment for the injury.
Escoffier left the scene of the incident but was arrested minutes later by NYPD officers. Whetzel, who was initially conscious but disoriented when first responders arrived, later died from the injuries sustained. Assistant District Attorneys Abel McDonnell and Michael Castrovilla, along with other members of the prosecution team, are handling the case in court.
The NYPD, including Officers Dilan Paca and Justin Zimmerman of the 6th Precinct, were acknowledged for their prompt response to the scene. With the case ongoing, the prosecution is preparing to present evidence against Escoffier to the court.
