A Michigan man is in custody after authorities say he allowed his bedridden elderly father to die of dehydration. Michael Stirling, 51, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, vulnerable adult abuse, and habitual offender, with a second offense notice according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that Stirling’s father, 77-year-old James Stirling, died sometime in the fall of last year. The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was dehydration and ruled it a homicide. The investigation spanned several months before Stirling was arraigned Wednesday in 41B District Court in Clinton Township. He was subsequently transferred 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 said in a statement. “My office remains committed to protecting the elderly in our community.
When those entrusted with a loved one’s care are alleged to have failed in that duty, and harm results, we take those cases seriously and will pursue justice through the legal process.” Authorities say the case began on Nov. 3, 2024, when a neighbor called police to report that Michael Stirling was attempting to enter his own home “while appearing disoriented.”
Responding officers assisted him inside and decided to conduct a welfare check on his father, discovering the elder Stirling deceased. Investigators allege the younger Stirling gave conflicting accounts. Initially, he claimed he had last seen his father the previous day.
Later, he changed his statement, saying he last saw him on Oct. 30, 2024, and had “arranged for someone else” to care for him. However, prosecutors say the supposed caretaker could not be located, and the phone number Stirling provided was not in service.
James Stirling’s obituary described him as “an all-around nice person who enjoyed spending time with his family” and noted that “he will be missed by loving family and friends.”
Few details have been released regarding the condition of the victim or the state of the residence at the time of discovery. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for further information.
During arraignment, bond was set at $250,000, to take effect if Stirling is released from Macomb County Community Mental Health. He is not currently listed on the Macomb County Jail roster.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 18. Stirling faces up to 19 years in prison on the current charges, with the possibility of additional time due to the sentencing enhancement.