A Clinton Township man has been formally charged in a Macomb County court following the death of his elderly father. The man, Michael Stirling, 51, is facing allegations of involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a vulnerable adult, as reported by ClickOnDetroit. His father, 77-year-old James Stirling, was found deceased in his bed last November after police were summoned to assist Michael, who appeared disoriented outside his home.
Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, according to CBS News Detroit, highlighted the importance of the case, stating, "Today's arraignment involves serious allegations that, according to the charges, resulted in the death of a vulnerable senior." Michael Stirling claims he had to go arrange for alternative care for his father on October 30, but the police could not verify the existence of the other caretaker. Moreover, Michael Stirling has now been referred to Community Mental Health for a substance abuse evaluation, as he is currently under a $250,000 bond.
Details surrounding the case indicate that Stirling was his father's live-in caretaker, but had conflicting accounts of his father's condition before the discovery of the body. The medical examiner determined that the elder Stirling died due to dehydration, with the death classified as a homicide. The Detroit News reported that this finding led to the charges Michael Stirling is now facing.
