Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brenda Bratschi, age 46 earlier today and charged her in the death of her husband, Randy Delyn Bratschi.  Mr. Bratschi had been missing and was presumed dead since his disappearance on November 26, 2004.  Human remains discovered earlier this year on property formerly owned by Mr. Bratschi on Old Georgetown  Road near Coward, SC  have been positively identified by forensics experts at the University of North Texas as that of Mr. Bratschi.

Brenda Bratschi had previously been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill Mr. Bratschi on October 21, 2004.  Injuries from that incident lead to Mr. Bratschi’s admission to a local hospital for treatment.  Ms. Bratschi was subsequently prohibited by a family court order of protection from contacting Mr. Bratschi, but she violated the order on two occasions just days before Mr. Bratschi disappeared. 

“Our investigators have never given up on this case,” Sheriff Kenney Boone stated.  “We hope this brings some sense of relief for Mr. Bratschi’s family.  They have waited a long time for this day.”

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and additional arrests may be forthcoming.