A judge's gavel on a stack of paper file folders.

CAMDEN, Del. - A Camden man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his 72-year-old girlfriend, according to the Delaware Department of Justice.

As WBOC previously reported, Delaware State Police found Marjeanne Lande dead on her living room floor on June 30, 2024, after family members requested a welfare check. Investigators say there was bruising on her head, chest, and arms, and her death was later ruled a homicide.

According to the DOJ, Gregory Bratcher, Lande’s live-in boyfriend, told investigators he hit and grabbed her before leaving her on the floor and leaving the home. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and felony strangulation following his arrest in November 2024. 

Bratcher, 66, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced on October 7, according to the DOJ.

Gregory Bratcher

"This was a tragic loss,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I am grateful to our DOJ team and to our partners in the Delaware State Police for their dedication in this case. I hope it will bring the victim’s family some measure of peace as they heal.”   

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Digital Content Producer

Sean joined WBOC as Digital Content Producer in February 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with bachelor’s degrees in East Asian Studies and Religion. He has lived in New York, California, and Virginia before he and his wife finally found a place to permanently call home in Maryland. With family in Laurel, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Captain’s Cove, Sean has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is thrilled to be working at WBOC serving the community.

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