Lewes, DE – A violent assault investigation is underway in Sussex County after Delaware State Police arrested a Lewes man following an incident at a local hotel Wednesday evening.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday to the Hyatt House at Five Points Square in Lewes after hotel staff reported a disturbing statement from a guest claiming he had killed his grandmother. When troopers arrived, they made contact with the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes, near the hotel lobby. Police said Fritchey told troopers he may have killed his grandmother and was taken into custody without incident.
Troopers then went to the hotel room and found a 72-year-old woman unconscious with serious injuries to her face and head. Police rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. The woman was transported to an area hospital, where she remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Due to the severity of the case, the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. Detectives determined that while staying together in the hotel room, Fritchey allegedly assaulted his grandmother using his hands and feet for reasons that remain under investigation. After the alleged assault, police said he went to the lobby and alerted hotel staff.
Fritchey was taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with Assault in the First Degree, a felony offense involving conduct that created a risk of death and caused serious physical injury. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $300,000 cash bond.
State police say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Hickman at 302-752-3856, message Delaware State Police on Facebook, or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Victim support resources are available through the Delaware Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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