An 87-year-old Maryland man has been charged with murder after police say he fatally shot his 63-year-old roommate during an early-morning dispute at their Frederick home.
Irwin Joseph Dickstein was taken into custody on Sunday in connection with the death of Michael Roy Bushnell, according to authorities. He faces first- and second-degree murder charges and is being held at the Frederick County Jail without bond.
The investigation began after police received information that Dickstein had reportedly told another person he had shot his roommate and provided the location where the shooting allegedly took place.
Officers went to a home in the first block of Franklin Street to conduct a welfare check. The residence was unsecured when they arrived, and officers entered. Bushnell was found inside and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later located Dickstein at another location and arrested him without incident.
According to information contained in court documents, the incident appears to have started with a disagreement over electrical work inside the home. Bushnell had reportedly been working on an electrical outlet and had shut off the power. A neighbor told investigators that the two roommates had been arguing before several loud bangs were heard from the residence at about 5:30 a.m.
The case took another turn later that morning when Dickstein went to Frederick Christian Fellowship Church. Police say he told a pastor that he had killed someone.
The pastor contacted authorities around 10:30 a.m., prompting police to investigate the reported confession and the address Dickstein had provided.
During an interview with detectives, Dickstein allegedly acknowledged killing Bushnell and identified him as the person who had died. He also confirmed that Bushnell was inside the Franklin Street residence. Dickstein later declined to answer additional questions without an attorney.
Investigators also spoke with the person who drove Dickstein to the church. That person reportedly told police that Dickstein had said he needed to speak with a pastor. The driver also reported seeing what appeared to be a firearm case left in the trunk.
Police obtained a search warrant and recovered a Beretta handgun from the case, according to the court documents.
The shooting remains under investigation, and the allegations against Dickstein have not been proven in court. His case will proceed through the Maryland court system, where he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Dickstein is represented by the Frederick County public defender’s office. Court records show that a competency hearing is scheduled for October 13.
The investigation is expected to continue as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the events that led to Bushnell’s death.
