FAIRBANKS, Alaska — A Michigan man has been arrested in connection with the 1993 killing of a former co-worker after investigators say he unknowingly led authorities to the victim’s remains by making what he believed were anonymous tips. The arrest brings a breakthrough in a cold case that remained unsolved for more than three decades.
Christopher Popps, 54, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Dearth, 34, who disappeared from Fairbanks, Alaska, in November 1993. According to the Alaska State Troopers, investigators identified Popps as the anonymous caller who contacted authorities in early 2025 and revealed where Dearth’s body had been hidden.
Anonymous Tip Leads Investigators to Missing Man’s Remains
Authorities said an anonymous caller contacted law enforcement in January 2025, admitted responsibility for Dearth’s disappearance and directed investigators to the location of the victim’s remains.
After tracing the caller’s identity, investigators determined the tipster was Popps. However, harsh winter conditions delayed the search until May, when officers recovered human remains inside a barrel at the bottom of a steep highway embankment. The remains were later identified as Dearth.
Investigators believe the information provided by the caller ultimately solved one of Alaska’s longest-running unsolved homicide cases.
Co-Workers Before Deadly Workplace Shooting
According to investigators, Popps and Dearth worked together at an auto repair shop in Fairbanks.
Authorities allege that Dearth was fatally shot during an altercation at the workplace in 1993 before his body was concealed for decades.
“It appeared Popps had provided multiple anonymous tips about Dearth and his responsibility for the victim’s disappearance,” Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel told Alaska Public Media.
McDaniel also explained that investigators had to wait several months before searching the location because it was buried under snow and daylight was limited during the Alaskan winter.
Grand Jury Indictment and Arrest in Michigan
A Fairbanks grand jury returned an indictment against Popps on June 25, charging him with second-degree murder.
Investigators later located Popps in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was arrested by Michigan State Police on July 16. He is currently being held without bond in the Kalamazoo County Jail while awaiting extradition to Alaska.
If convicted under Alaska law, Popps could face a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 99 years.
Family Notified as Cold Case Reaches Turning Point
Alaska State Troopers confirmed that Dearth’s family has been informed of Popps’s arrest following the breakthrough in the decades-old investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed why Popps allegedly decided to contact law enforcement after more than 30 years, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the anonymous tips.
The charges against Popps represent allegations by prosecutors. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this remarkable cold case breakthrough? Should there be greater investment in reopening decades-old unsolved cases using modern investigative techniques? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
