Boyfriend Charged With Magnolia Woman’s Death

The Delaware State Police have arrested 63-year-old Gregory Bratcher, of Camden, for murder following a death investigation in Magnolia.

Officials said on June 30, 2024, at approximately 4:59 p.m., troopers responded to the 200 block of Apple Blossom Drive in Magnolia, for a welfare check. When troopers arrived, they found 72-year-old Marjeanne Lande deceased in the home. During the months-long investigation, it was determined by the Division of Forensic Sciences that Lande was the victim of a homicide.

Through investigative means, Delaware State Police Detectives identified Lande’s boyfriend, Gregory Bratcher as the suspect. On November 4, 2024, he was indicted by a Kent County Grand Jury.

On November 8, 2024, Bratcher was taken into custody, he was charged with Murder 1st Degree (Felony), and Strangulation (Felony). He was arraigned by Kent County Superior Court and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.

Delaware State Police had not previously disclosed that a murder had occurred in June.