Elderly Man Faces Murder Charges After Sidewalk Incident

A 79-year-old man, Dana Escoffier, is facing murder charges after allegedly pushing an 82-year-old man, Dean Wetzel, who later succumbed to his injuries. This incident took place on a Manhattan sidewalk on October 11 around 1:30 p.m.

Escoffier pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter in Manhattan Supreme Court. Initially charged with a lesser offense, the charges were escalated after Wetzel died on November 5 due to the injuries he sustained in the fall.

Prosecutors noted that Wetzel was walking his dog when Escoffier approached from behind and attempted to maneuver a shopping cart past him. Wetzel reportedly tapped the cart with his foot, which prompted Escoffier to react aggressively by pushing Wetzel forcibly, resulting in Wetzel falling and hitting his head.

The injuries led to a skull fracture and a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, Wetzel passed away three weeks later, and the medical examiner classified his death as a homicide.

After the incident, Escoffier fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Reports indicated he claimed to a witness that Wetzel had hit him first. Witness statements corroborated that Escoffier had admitted to pushing Wetzel because he felt he had been bumped into.

Bizarrely, the two men were neighbors, and Wetzel’s husband, Roger Kepler, expressed his deep sorrow outside the court, describing Wetzel as a “good man” whom he misses profoundly.

If convicted of manslaughter, a Class E felony, Escoffier could face up to four years in prison, in addition to facing charges for third-degree assault.