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.”
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva AuctionThe nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.
