Elderly Man Faces Charges in Neighbor's Death

A Manhattan grand jury has indicted 80-year-old Dana Escoffier on a charge of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of his longtime neighbor, 82-year-old Dean Whetzel. The incident occurred on October 11th when Mr. Escoffier allegedly shoved Mr. Whetzel on a West Village sidewalk after a bump. Mr. Whetzel fell, hitting his head on the pavement, and tragically died from his injuries on November 5th. The medical examiner subsequently ruled his death a homicide.

Mr. Escoffier and Mr. Whetzel had been neighbors for nearly fifty years, residing in buildings owned by the same landlord and generally maintaining a friendly relationship. Mr. Whetzel owned a wash-and-fold laundry business where Mr. Escoffier was a customer. Despite their long-standing acquaintance, the confrontation on Hudson Street near West 10th Street escalated when Mr. Escoffier pushed Mr. Whetzel after the latter bumped into him.

Mr. Whetzel's husband, Rodger Kepler, kept vigil by his side for three weeks as he lay in a coma due to a fractured skull and severe brain bleeding. Mr. Kepler expressed his grief, stating that while the indictment won't bring Dean back, he hopes for an opportunity to understand the senseless act. Mr. Escoffier is scheduled for arraignment on January 21st.