CrimeApr 04, 2024
Police Searching for Suspects in $1M Mall HeistCrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
Editor’s note: Court records show that a Dallas County grand jury indicted David Walton in June. The next hearing in his case is scheduled for Dec. 5.
Dallas—A significant court date has been set in the case against New York jeweler David Walton, who is charged with assault in connection with the death of a fellow jeweler last month.
The Dallas District Attorney’s Office said the case against Walton will go in front of a grand jury on May 7.
The 41-year-old owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz, New York, was in Dallas attending the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) show, held March 9-12 at the Hilton Anatole.
In evening hours of March 12, while in the hotel bar, Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who died from his injuries the next day.
According to a Dallas Police Department report, Walton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault some time on March 13.
He is being represented by Dallas-based attorney Barry Sorrels, according to a public log for upcoming grand jury cases in Dallas County.
Sorrels told National Jeweler, “Due to the sad and unfortunate circumstances that led to this investigation, we feel it would be inappropriate to litigate this matter in the news.
“We would like to extend condolences to the Ettinger family. In the meantime, we intend to respect the investigative process. David Walton will share his story at the appropriate time in the appropriate forum.”
Related stories will be right here …
Dallas—A significant court date has been set in the case against New York jeweler David Walton, who is charged with assault in connection with the death of a fellow jeweler last month.
The Dallas District Attorney’s Office said the case against Walton will go in front of a grand jury on May 7.
The 41-year-old owner of Hudson Valley Goldsmith in New Paltz, New York, was in Dallas attending the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) show, held March 9-12 at the Hilton Anatole.
In evening hours of March 12, while in the hotel bar, Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who died from his injuries the next day.
According to a Dallas Police Department report, Walton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault some time on March 13.
He is being represented by Dallas-based attorney Barry Sorrels, according to a public log for upcoming grand jury cases in Dallas County.
Sorrels told National Jeweler, “Due to the sad and unfortunate circumstances that led to this investigation, we feel it would be inappropriate to litigate this matter in the news.
“We would like to extend condolences to the Ettinger family. In the meantime, we intend to respect the investigative process. David Walton will share his story at the appropriate time in the appropriate forum.”
According to accounts of the evening shared with National Jeweler, some attendees were hanging out in the hotel bar following the final day of the conference when the incident took place.
Officers arrived on the scene shortly after midnight on March 13, after Walton called 911 and said he pushed Ettinger, 69, “in response to being attacked,” according to an arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News.
He told police that Ettinger approached him about “a comment he made towards Ettinger’s spouse earlier in the evening,” and Ettinger “grabbed him by his arm,” so he pushed him, and he fell backward and struck his head on the floor.
Surveillance footage viewed by Dallas detectives and detailed in the affidavit shows Ettinger and Walton in the bar, both holding drinks.
Ettinger is then seen setting his drink down and approaching Walton.
The video shows Ettinger put his hand on Walton’s upper arm, the two men talk, and then Walton pushes Ettinger by his neck backward, causing him to fall to the floor and strike his head, according to the affidavit as reported by the Dallas Morning News.
By the time detectives arrived at the hotel, Walton had checked out and left.
Ettinger was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he died around 5 p.m. on March 13, according to the medical examiner’s report. His manner of death was ruled a homicide.
He and his wife Lori, who owned Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, West Virginia, had recently announced their retirement, and were attending the show as a final farewell.
Ettinger had been a member of IJO for about 17 years, according to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
“Dave’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his illustrious career in the jewelry industry. We at IJO will miss Dave, but he will always be remembered as a kind, gentle soul. May he rest in peace,” Barnes said in a statement to National Jeweler last month.
In his obituary, Ettinger’s family said he loved being a jeweler and described him as “a font of passion” who had genuine enthusiasm for his interests and hobbies, but also those of his friends.
“He loved life and wanted to live forever,” his wife Lori Ettinger previously shared with National Jeweler. “He was a loving husband, father, son, sibling, and friend.”
The Latest
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
