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
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
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.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
