Inset: John D. Bromley (Michigan State Police). Background: The hospital where he allegedly posed as a state trooper to gain access to the morgue (Google Maps).
A 74-year-old man in Michigan whose wife died last year as a result of domestic abuse has been arrested after he allegedly impersonated a trooper with the Michigan State Police in an effort to gain access to the morgue and see the 68-year-old woman’s body. John D. Bromley was taken into custody earlier this month and charged with one count of aggravated domestic violence and one count of first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, authorities announced.
According to a news release from the MSP’s Seventh District Post, troopers responded to a call in June 2024 regarding two persons believed to be squatting in a cabin in Otsego County. Upon arriving at the address, troopers located two people, later identified as the defendant and his wife.
Troopers spoke with the duo and were able to confirm that the couple did not have permission to be on the property.
“The man, identified as 74-year-old John Dominick Bromley, and his wife, a 68-year-old woman, were homeless and had been living in the cottage without permission,” the release states. “While talking with the wife, troopers noticed she had extensive bruising and difficulty breathing. An ambulance was called, and she was transported by EMS to Otsego Memorial Hospital.”
Due to the severity of her condition, Bromley’s wife was transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan, for more specialized care. During her stint as a patient at the facility, Bromley’s wife allegedly spoke to troopers from the Traverse City Post and “disclosed a history of domestic abuse” at the hands of Bromley.
Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to her injuries and died a few days after being admitted to the Munson Medical Center. Shortly thereafter, authorities say Bromley attempted to sneak into the morgue where his wife’s body was being kept.
“The suspect, Bromley, attempted to gain access to the morgue after his wife’s death by impersonating a trooper,” the release states. “He was not allowed access. A lengthy investigation followed, and an autopsy was performed.”
The investigation report was turned over to the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant for Bromley’s arrest was issued last month and subsequently entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network.
Bromley earlier this month was pulled over for speeding in Oakland County, Michigan, which is when authorities took him into custody and transported him back to Otsego County on domestic violence and abuse charges. In addition to those charges, Bromley is also facing one count of impersonating an officer in Grand Traverse County.
Bromley appeared for his arraignment this week where a judge set his bond at $50,000.
