UPDATED: Lewes Man Indicted for 1st Degree Murder in Death of Grandmother
Image courtesy DSP
UPDATED – 05/01/26 – Delaware State Police have secured a murder indictment for 30 year old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes after an assault that occurred in January in Lewes. Fritchey was indicted by a Sussex County Grand Jury for 1st degree murder and remains committed to the Department of Correction.
The 72-year-old victim, identified as Elizabeth Fritchey, died on February 10, 2026, from the injuries she received during the assault.
===================================================================
ORIGINAL STORY – 01/30/26 – A Lewes man has been arrested for assault after an incident Thursday night at the Hyatt House in Lewes. State Police were called just before 6pm after a guest told hotel staff that he’s killed his grandmother in a room. Police spoke with the suspect – 30 year old Dempsey Fritchey, who was detained. They found a 72 year old woman unconscious and suffering from injuries to her face and head. She was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Detectives learned that while together in the hotel room, Fritchey assaulted his grandmother with his hands and feet – then left the room and told hotel staff. Fritchey is charged with the following offense:
- 1st degree assault – conduct, created risk of death, caused serious injury (Felony)
He is being held at SCI in default of a $300,000 cash bond.