The Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Dempsey Fritchey of Lewes, Delaware, for felony assault following an incident that occurred last night in Lewes.
On January 29, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., troopers responded to the Hyatt House, located at 17254 Five Points Square in Lewes, after a guest told hotel staff that he had killed his grandmother in one of the hotel rooms. When troopers arrived, they spoke to the suspect, identified as Dempsey Fritchey, who was near the lobby and told troopers 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 victim until EMS arrived and she was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Due to the nature of the incident, Delaware State Police 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, and afterwards went to the lobby and told hotel staff about the incident.
Fritchey was arrested and taken to Troop 7, where he was charged with the crime listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $300,000 cash bond.
- Assault 1st Degree – Conduct, Created Risk of Death, Caused Serious Injury (Felony)
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who has any information about the incident 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.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.