Man Allegedly Impersonated Trooper To See Dead Wife In Morgue After She Accused Him Of Domestic Abuse

An elderly Michigan man has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a state trooper in order to see his dead wife in a hospital morgue, after she disclosed a history of domestic violence to real troopers shortly before her death, authorities said.

Michigan State Police said the investigation began back in June 2024, when troopers responded to a report of two people squatting in a cabin in Otsego County. Troopers confirmed the two occupants, 74-year-old John Dominick Bromley and his 68-year-old wife, were homeless and had been living in the cottage without permission.

While speaking with the couple, troopers noticed the woman had “extensive bruising and difficulty breathing.” They called an ambulance, and the woman was transported to Otsego Memorial Hospital. She was later transferred to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City “due to the severity of her injuries,” state police said.

While hospitalized, police say the woman disclosed to troopers “a history of domestic abuse.” She died a few days after being admitted to the hospital.

After her death, Bromley allegedly tried to gain access to the hospital morgue by impersonating a trooper. Police say he was not allowed access, and a “lengthy investigation followed,” including an autopsy.

The results of the autopsy and the investigation were turned over to the Otsego County Prosecutors Office and an arrest warrant was issued last month. Bromley was arrested during a traffic stop for speeding in Oakland County, and was transferred to the Otsego County Jail on Feb. 9.

Bromley was arraigned in Otsego County on charges of aggravated domestic violence and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, and was ordered held on a $50,000 cash surety bond. He is facing additional charges in Grand Traverse County for impersonating an officer.