Overview
- Dean Conover Whetzel died on Nov. 5 from injuries suffered after an Oct. 11 shove, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide on Nov. 6.
- NYPD reports he was pushed near Hudson and West 10th streets, found unconscious with head injuries, and taken to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.
- Police arrested neighbor Dana Escoffier, 79, in October on assault and a weapons charge, and he has pleaded not guilty.
- A criminal complaint cites a witness and an alleged remark, “I pushed him because he bumped into me,” attributed to Escoffier by prosecutors.
- Authorities say the case remains open, with a Dec. 4 court appearance reported and precinct data noting two homicides this year in the Sixth Precinct.