Lewes Man Arrested for Felony Assault Against Grandmother
LEWES, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) have arrested a man on felony assault charges after police say he seriously injured his grandmother.
Police arrested 30-year-old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes and charged him with first degree assault resulting in serious injury. Fritchey was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $300,000 cash bond.
On Thursday, Jan. 29 around 5:45 p.m., troopers responded to the Hyatt House located on Five Points Square after Fritchey told hotel staff that he had killed his grandmother in one of the hotel rooms. When they arrived, they spoke with Fritchey who again stated that he may have killed his grandmother. He was detained without incident.
Troopers responded to the room and found a 72-year-old woman unconscious and suffering from injuries to her face and head. Troopers provided medical aid to the woman until emergency medical services arrived. She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Due to the nature of the incident, DSP Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation. Detectives learned that while staying together in the hotel room, Fritchey, for unknown reasons, suddenly assaulted his grandmother with his hands and feet, before going to the lobby and telling hotel staff about the incident.
This incident remains under investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with relevant information to contact Detective D. Hickman at (302) 752-3856. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
