A 51-year-old Michigan man was arrested this week months after his 77-year-old father was found dead in his bed from dehydration.
Michael Stirling identified himself as his father’s full-time caretaker on November 3, 2024, when a neighbor alerted authorities after observing Stirling attempting to enter his home while looking disoriented, according to a WDIV report.
Clinton Township police arrived and helped Stirling into the home then conducted a welfare check on James Stirling, who was found dead in his bed.
Initially, Stirling told the police he had seen his father the day before. Later, he claimed to have left the residence nearly a week prior after arranging for another individual to care for the elderly man. However, police reported that this individual could not be found, and the phone number provided by Stirling was non-functional.
The medical examiner eventually determined that James Stirling died from dehydration and the manner of death was classified as homicide.
Michael Stirling faced charges on Wednesday, including involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a vulnerable adult, with a habitual offender sentencing enhancement. His bond was set at $250,000.
The Detroit News said that Stirling pleaded guilty last July to firing a gun in a building.
After his arraignment, Stirling was taken to Community Mental Health for a substance abuse evaluation, WDIV said.
Should he post bond, he will be required to wear a GPS tracker, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and adhere to house arrest, being permitted to leave solely for medical emergencies, court appearances, or attorney meetings.
He is due in court again on August 18.
