Manhattan DA Indicts Dana Escoffier in Fatal West Village Sidewalk Shoving of 82-Year-Old Neighbor

Argument Over Touching a Shopping Cart Led to Fatal Confrontation between 50-year Neighbors

Prosecutors say Dean Whetzel (Above) died as a result of striking his head during a fall after being violently shoved by long-time neighbor Dana Escoffier.

By Staff Reporter 

Manhattan Voice 

January 22, 2026

NEW YORK, NY — Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced that Dana Escoffier, 79, has been indicted on charges of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault in connection with the death of his longtime neighbor, 82-year-old Dean Whetzel, following a sidewalk altercation in the West Village last fall.

The indictment, filed in New York State Supreme Court, stems from an incident that occurred on October 11, 2025, near the intersection of West 10th Street and Hudson Street, according to court documents and statements made on the record.

Authorities say that at approximately 1:30 p.m., Whetzel was walking his dog close to his home while the sidewalk was slick from rain. Prosecutors allege that Escoffier, who had lived next door to Whetzel for nearly five decades, was pushing a shopping cart closely behind him.

When Whetzel turned and lightly tapped the shopping cart with his foot, Escoffier allegedly responded by shoving Whetzel forcefully in the chest with both hands. The shove caused Whetzel to fall straight backward, slamming his head on the wet sidewalk, according to the indictment.

Escoffier is accused of leaving the scene immediately after the incident. Police arrested him several minutes later.

First responders found Whetzel conscious but unable to speak coherently, prosecutors said. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury.

Despite medical treatment, Whetzel’s condition deteriorated. He died on November 5, 2025, nearly four weeks after the fall, as a result of complications from his injuries.

Charges Filed Against Dana Escoffier

The indictment includes the following charges:

• Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E felony

• Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor

If convicted, Escoffier could face prison time under New York law, though sentencing outcomes would ultimately be determined by the court.

In announcing the indictment, District Attorney Bragg expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.

“Dean Whetzel was walking close to his home when his neighbor for the past five decades, Dana Escoffier, allegedly fatally shoved him to the ground,” Bragg said. “My thoughts are with Mr. Whetzel’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”

Court filings indicate that Escoffier and Whetzel had been neighbors for approximately 50 years, a detail that has underscored the tragedy of the case for investigators and community members alike.

The incident has drawn attention to the serious legal consequences of physical confrontations, particularly involving elderly individuals and hazardous conditions such as wet sidewalks.