Trial Begins in Death of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel Popp: Jury to Decide if Brooke Allen Was Criminally Responsible
SAGINAW, MI — The trial of Brooke L. Allen, the woman accused of causing the tragic death of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp, officially began Tuesday, June 3, with jury selection in Saginaw County Circuit Court. The proceedings come more than a year after the devastating incident that claimed the life of the 39-year-old trooper on Interstate 75.
At the heart of the trial is one central question: Was Allen, allegedly high on methamphetamine, criminally responsible for Trooper Popp’s death while he was carrying out his duty?
A Routine Stop Turned Tragic
On the evening of January 23, 2024, Trooper Popp was responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle stopped on I-75 near Birch Run when the situation took a tragic turn. According to investigators, 33-year-old Brooke Allen had been operating the vehicle and was suspected to be under the influence of methamphetamine at the time. As Popp engaged with the scene, he was struck and killed—fatally injured in what was supposed to be a standard law enforcement response on the busy highway.
The sudden and violent loss of Trooper Popp—an 11-year veteran of the Michigan State Police and a husband and father—sent shockwaves throughout the law enforcement community and across the state. Flags were lowered, tributes poured in, and a solemn procession honored a man remembered for his integrity, professionalism, and service.
Serious Charges, Serious Stakes
Brooke Allen now faces one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Prosecutors allege that Allen was impaired by methamphetamine at the time of the incident and that her condition directly contributed to the chain of events that led to Trooper Popp’s death.
“This isn’t just about drugs,” said a source close to the case. “It’s about the consequences of driving under the influence—and the toll it takes on families, on communities, and in this case, on the very people sworn to protect us.”
Allen has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her defense team is expected to argue that her impairment was not the proximate cause of the deadly crash or that other circumstances may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Opening Salvos: Jury Selection Begins
The courtroom was solemn Tuesday as jury selection began. Twelve jurors and two alternates will be chosen to weigh the facts in a case that has already drawn significant public interest and media coverage. The trial is expected to span multiple days, with witness testimonies from first responders, accident reconstruction experts, medical personnel, and possibly other drivers on I-75 the night of the incident.
Legal analysts note that the outcome of the trial may hinge not only on toxicology reports and forensic evidence but also on the jury’s interpretation of causality and responsibility.
A Family’s Long Wait for Justice
The family of Trooper Joel Popp has waited 17 months for this moment. In court filings and public statements, they have expressed both grief and resolve in seeking justice for their loved one.
“Joel died doing what he loved—serving his community,” a family statement read during a previous court hearing. “But he shouldn’t have died. He didn’t deserve this. We want accountability. We want the truth.”
The Michigan State Police, too, have maintained their support for the Popp family and their determination to see justice served. MSP officers have packed courtrooms during earlier proceedings, wearing their uniforms in solidarity and memory of their fallen colleague.
A Community Still Mourning
Trooper Popp’s death marked a painful chapter in the history of Michigan law enforcement. A respected and dedicated public servant, he had spent over a decade with the MSP, most recently serving in the Flint Post. He left behind a wife and young child, and the grief surrounding his loss has been palpable across the state.
In the months following the tragedy, communities across Michigan have honored his memory with memorial rides, fundraisers for his family, and permanent highway signage marking the spot of his sacrifice.
What Comes Next
The trial will likely feature emotional testimonies, forensic evidence, and legal arguments that underscore both the complexity and the emotional gravity of the case. If convicted, Brooke Allen could face a lengthy prison sentence—but the trial’s outcome remains uncertain as both sides prepare to present their case before the jury.
As the courtroom proceedings unfold, Michigan—and the law enforcement community nationwide—will be watching closely.