The Delaware State Police have arrested a Lewes man on a felony assault charge following an incident reported Wednesday evening at a Lewes hotel.
On Thursday, at around 5:45 p.m. troopers responded to the Hyatt House located at 17254 Five Points Square in Lewes. Officials said hotel staff reported that a guest stated he had killed his grandmother.
Upon arrival, troopers made contact with the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes, who was near the hotel lobby and told troopers that he may have killed his grandmother. Police said he was detained without incident.
Troopers then responded to the hotel room, where they located a 72-year-old woman unconscious and suffering from injuries to her face and head. Police provided medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. The woman was transported to an area hospital, where she was listed in life-threatening condition.
Due to the severity of the incident, the investigation was assumed by the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit. Investigators determined that while the two were staying together in the hotel room, Fritchey allegedly assaulted his grandmother with his hands and feet for reasons that remain under investigation. Police said Fritchey then went to the hotel lobby and informed staff about the incident.
Fritchey was taken into custody and transported to Troop 7, where he was charged with Assault in the First Degree, conduct creating a risk of death and causing serious physical injury, a felony offense. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $300,000 cash bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
