A Michigan man has been arrested for allowing his bedridden elderly father to dehydrate to death, according to Wolverine State police.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Michael Stirling, 51, is charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter, vulnerable adult abuse, and habitual offender, with a second offense notice.
Authorities allege that the defendant’s father, James Stirling, 77, died sometime in the fall of last year. The local medical examiner’s office determined that his death was a homicide caused by dehydration.
The investigation, however, lasted several months. On Wednesday, the younger Stirling was arraigned at the 41B District Court in nearby Clinton Township before being committed to a mental health facility.
“Today’s arraignment involves serious allegations that, according to the charges, resulted in the death of a vulnerable senior,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated. “My office is still committed to protecting the elderly in our community. When those entrusted with a loved one’s care are accused of failing in their duty and causing harm, we take those cases seriously and will seek justice through the legal system.”
On November 3, 2024, a neighbor called police to report Michael Stirling attempting to enter his own home “while appearing disoriented,” according to the prosecutor’s office. Officers responded and assisted the man inside.
Officers went to the Stirling family home on Nicke Street to check on the septuagenarian’s welfare and discovered him dead, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities say the defendant told two different stories.
First, Michael Stirling, who claimed to be his father’s “live-in caretaker,” allegedly stated that he last saw him the day before. Prosecutors said that version of events was abandoned in favor of one in which the defendant last saw his father on October 30, 2024.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the accused stated in his second testimony that he left his father alone “after arranging for someone else” to watch over him. However, this alleged individual “could not be located, and the phone number provided was found to be non-working.”
The elder Stirling was fondly remembered in his obituary.
“James was an all around nice person who enjoyed spending time with his family,” according to the funeral service. “He will be missed by loving family and friends.”
Details about the deceased’s condition, or the state of their residence, are currently scarce. Law&Crime contacted the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for more information on this case, but received no response as of publication.
During his arraignment, the defendant was given a $250,000 bond. This bond amount will become effective if he is released from Macomb County Community Mental Health. Michael Stirling is not currently on the Macomb County Jail’s roster.
The defendant is next scheduled for a probable cause conference on August 18. He faces 19 years in prison on his current combined charges, with a sentencing enhancement adding the possibility of additional time in prison.
