OTSEGO COUNTY, MI – A 74-year-old man, John D. Bromley, has been arrested after authorities allege he abused his wife, resulting in her death, and attempted to access her body by impersonating a police officer.
The investigation began in June 2024 when Michigan State Police (MSP) responded to a report about squatters in a cabin in Otsego County. Upon arrival, troopers discovered Bromley and his 68-year-old wife living in the cabin without permission. Authorities observed severe bruising and difficulty breathing on the woman. Emergency Medical Services transported her to Otsego Memorial Hospital, before transferring her to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for further care.
At the hospital, the woman confided to investigators about a history of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Tragically, she passed away days later due to the injuries.
Following her death, Bromley attempted to gain access to the morgue to view her body, impersonating a Michigan State Police officer. His request was denied, and an autopsy was conducted as part of a thorough investigation into her death.
Upon reviewing the case, the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Bromley. He was apprehended after being pulled over for speeding in Oakland County earlier this month. He was transported back to Otsego County, where he faces charges of aggravated domestic violence, first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, and impersonating a police officer (the latter charge in Grand Traverse County).
Bromley appeared in court for arraignment, where his bond was set at $50,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
