87-Year-Old Maryland Man Shoots Roommate Over Electrical Outlet, Confesses to Pastor

Irwin Dickstein, 87, is charged with murdering his roommate Michael Bushnell during a dispute over an outlet. He later confessed to a pastor, who immediately called police.

Roommate Shot Dead Over Outlet Dispute; Suspect Confessed at Church

An 87-year-old Frederick, Maryland man is charged with first- and second-degree murder after allegedly shooting his 63-year-old roommate during an early-morning argument over an electrical outlet, Law & Crime reports.

Irwin Joseph Dickstein was taken into custody without incident on Sunday. Authorities identified the victim as Michael Roy Bushnell, who was found dead inside their shared home on the first block of Franklin Street.

The Frederick Police Department announced the charges in a press release, stating that the case began on Sept. 20 when deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office received a tip about a possible murder. "Dickstein had reportedly told a witness that he shot his roommate," the release states. "Dickstein also provided the location where the incident allegedly occurred."

Officers responded to the Franklin Street address for a welfare check. They found the residence unsecured, entered the home, and discovered Bushnell, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dispute over power and an early-morning confrontation

A probable cause affidavit filed in the case, cited by Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate WJLA, describes how the conflict began. Bushnell had reportedly told a neighbor he was attempting to repair an electrical outlet and had switched off the power to do so — a decision that angered Dickstein. The neighbor told investigators the two men had been arguing before hearing several loud bangs from inside the residence at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Pastor contacts police after confession

By late morning, Dickstein had traveled to Frederick Christian Fellowship Church. There, according to investigators, he told a pastor that he had killed someone. The pastor contacted police at around 10:30 a.m. and reported that a congregant had confessed to murder.

The man who drove Dickstein to the church that morning also spoke with investigators. He told police that Dickstein said he needed to speak with a pastor, and that the defendant left what appeared to be a firearm case in the trunk of the vehicle. Police obtained a search warrant and recovered a Beretta handgun inside the case.

In a subsequent interview with detectives, Dickstein allegedly admitted to the killing, identified Bushnell as the victim, and confirmed that the body was at the Franklin Street address. He then declined to answer further questions without an attorney present.

Competency hearing scheduled

Dickstein is currently held without bond in the Frederick County Jail. He is being represented by the county public defender's office. Court records show he is scheduled to appear on Oct. 13 for a hearing to determine his competency to stand trial.

Source: Law & Crime