Crime

NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

CrimeMay 22, 2025

NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
In a Dallas courtroom on Monday, New York jeweler David Walton, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual for his role in the death of 69-year-old David Ettinger (pictured), the longtime co-owner of Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood, West Virginia.
Dallas—A jeweler from New Paltz, New York, was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to his role in the death of a fellow jeweler following a trade show in Dallas last March. 

Dallas County court records show that David Walton, 42, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual in the death of 69-year-old David Ettinger. 

He was sentenced to three years’ deferred probation, meaning if he completes the terms of his probation—which include anger management classes, abstaining from drinking alcohol and having no contact with the Ettinger family—he will not have a conviction on his record. 

A spokeswoman for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Walton will serve his probation in New York state, where he lives.

A longtime jeweler from West Virginia and a 17-year member of the Independent Jewelers Organization, Ettinger had just retired and closed the store he had co-owned with his wife, Lori Ettinger, when the two traveled to Dallas for one last IJO show. 

The show took place March 9 to 12, 2024, at the city’s Hilton Anatole hotel. 

According to accounts shared with National Jeweler, some attendees were hanging out in the hotel bar on the night of March 12, the last day of the show, when the confrontation between Walton and Ettinger took place. 

Video of the incident, viewed by a Dallas police detective and recounted in the arrest affidavit, shows both Walton and Ettinger inside the hotel’s Media Bar & Grill with drinks in their hands. 

Ettinger is then seen putting his drink down, walking up to Walton, and putting his hand on his arm. 

According to what Walton told police, Ettinger approached him because of a comment he had made about Lori earlier in the evening. 

A few seconds into their conversation, Walton pushed Ettinger by his neck, and the 69-year-old fell backward, striking his head on the floor.

 Related stories will be right here … 

According to the affidavit, it was Walton who called 911, stating he had pushed Ettinger “in response to being attacked.”

Police arrived at the hotel a little after midnight, and Ettinger was transported to a local hospital with multiple brain bleeds, two skull fractures, and two cracked ribs.

He died around 5 p.m. on March 13. 

Ettinger was a master jeweler at Bechdel Jewelers, where he worked from 1975 until he and Lori retired and closed the store in late 2023.

Lori told National Jeweler last year that her late husband loved his work.

“There was no project he’d reject. Whether it was a precious piece of jewelry or an attached belt on a favorite dress. He never said no,” she said. 

Described as a “font of passion,” Ettinger also enjoyed playing golf, skiing, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family.

Walton originally was charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony in Texas, and was released on $75,000 bond. 

In June 2024, a Dallas County grand jury indicted the 42-year-old jeweler on a lesser charge—injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with criminal negligence. 

In Texas, this charge is classified as a state jail felony, an offense that is less serious than other felonies but more serious than a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a maximum of two years in a state jail and a $10,000 fine. 

Reached by email Wednesday, Ettinger’s widow, Lori, declined to comment on Walton’s sentence at this time. 

Walton’s attorney, Barry Sorrels, said his client is “a good man, husband, and father who deserves to move forward with a life that is not defined by one tragic moment.” 

“He has respected the process and acted with integrity throughout the case,” Sorrels wrote in an email. “David remains grateful to those who have supported him through this difficult time.”

The Latest

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of person holding shopping bags
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.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

DEBEERS_DAY4_DSC_1023-01_1872x1052.jpg
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond Jewelry

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
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.

Collage of bug jewelry
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful Jewelry

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Graphic for Jewelers of America’s 2025 State of the Industry webinar
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.

Eriness One of One Collection Rings and Necklace
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ Collection

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

Napoleon’s diamond brooch and a pearl and diamond hair ornament
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For Auction

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

Holiday shoppers in Target
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate Jobs

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry Show

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

Bonhams New Bond Street London flagship
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives Replaced

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

De Beers Diamond View Zoom machine with monitor
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument Demo

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

Two brooches stolen in the October 2025 heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris
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.

Wyld Box Jewelry Ray of Light Large Drop Earrings
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ Earrings

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock pendant
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, Kering

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

Cullinan Diamond Mine plant
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.

Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, Tobias Kargoll
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch History

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & Watches

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

Taylor Swift engagement ring Greenwich St
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds Edition

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bracelet
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the Holidays

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

Fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva Auction

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy