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79-Year-Old Charged with Homicide After Shopping Cart Altercation

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dana Escoffier, 79, faces a homicide charge after Dean Whetzel, 82, died from injuries.
The October 11 incident began when Whetzel tapped Escoffier's shopping cart in Manhattan.
Escoffier allegedly shoved him, contributing to Whetzel's death on November 5.
Prosecutors upgraded the charges to criminally negligent homicide, and Escoffier pleaded not guilty.

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Story summary

Dana Escoffier, 79, faces a homicide charge after Dean Whetzel, 82, died from injuries.
The October 11 incident began when Whetzel tapped Escoffier's shopping cart in Manhattan.
Escoffier allegedly shoved him, contributing to Whetzel's death on November 5.
Prosecutors upgraded the charges to criminally negligent homicide, and Escoffier pleaded not guilty.