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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Weekly QuizJul 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
