Manhattan District Attorney L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of DANA ESCOFFIER, 79, for allegedly fatally shoving his 82-year-old neighbor to the ground in the West Village in October 2025. ESCOFFIER is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Criminally Negligent Homicide and Assault in the Third Degree. [1]
“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,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My thoughts are with Mr. Whetzel’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”
As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, on October 11, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Dean Whetzel, an 82-year-old man, was walking his dog near the corner of West 10th Street and Hudson Street. It was raining and the sidewalk was wet. ESCOFFIER, his 79-year-old neighbor, attempted to push a shopping cart closely behind Mr. Whetzel, who turned and lightly tapped the shopping cart with his foot. In response, ESCOFFIER immediately shoved Mr. Whetzel in the chest with both hands, causing him to fall straight back and slam his head on the sidewalk.
ESCOFFIER left the scene and was arrested several minutes later.
When first responders arrived, Mr. Whetzel was conscious but was unable to speak coherently. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. On November 5, 2025, he died from his injuries.
Assistant D.A.s Abel McDonnell and Michael Castrovilla (Trial Bureau 30) are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Trial Preparation Assistant Callie Paul-LaRonca has provided invaluable assistance.
D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officers Dilan Paca and Justin Zimmerman of the 6th Precinct.
Defendant Information:
DANA ESCOFFIER
New York, NY
Charged:
- Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class E felony, one count
- Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count
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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.