An 82‑year‑old man named Dean Conover Whetzel died on December 2 after a freak scuffle in Manhattan last month. The incident happened on October 11 in the West Village when a 79‑year‑old neighbor, Dana Escoffier, shoved him onto the sidewalk. According to police, the two crossed paths at about 1:30 p.m. and a heated argument broke out when they accidentally bumped into each other.
Escoffier later told a passerby, “I pushed him because he bumped into me.” The witness followed the agitated woman and pointed out the scene to officers, who found Whetzel lying unconscious on the pavement. He had a swollen right eye and a cut on the back of his head. He was rushed to New York City Health/Hospitals/Bellevue in critical condition.
He remained in the hospital for three weeks before passing away. The medical examiner’s office ruled his death a homicide on November 6, and the NYPD confirmed the finding on Monday. Police said the two seniors were strangers who lived just around the corner from each other.
Escoffier was charged in October with assault and aggravated harassment and was released on bail. It’s still unclear whether he will face any additional charges. He is scheduled to go back to court on December 4. The Post was unable to reach Escoffier for comment last night.
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