CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss 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.
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 …
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.
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.”
More on Crime
The Latest
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. StoreTanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth LocationThe retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern WorldSapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
