87-year-old Frederick man charged with murder after roommate found dead on Franklin Street

An 87-year-old Frederick man has been charged with murder after police found his roommate dead inside their Franklin Street residence Sunday.

Frederick police charged Irwin Joseph Dickstein with one count each of first-degree murder and second-degree murder in the death of Michael Roy Bushnell, 63.

According to charging documents, a neighbor told investigators the two roommates had argued over an electrical repair at their home before the shooting.

The case came to the attention of law enforcement after the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office notified city police that Dickstein had reportedly told someone he had shot his roommate.

Frederick officers went to the first block of Franklin Street for a welfare check.

Police said the residence was unsecured. Officers entered and found Bushnell dead inside.

Dickstein was taken into custody at another location without incident and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

At a bail hearing Monday, an attorney with the Frederick County Public Defender’s Office requested a competency evaluation. Prosecutors did not object, and Judge Dino E. Flores Jr. ordered Dickstein held without bail pending a competency hearing.

A competency evaluation does not determine guilt or innocence. It addresses whether a defendant is currently able to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense.

According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, Dickstein could receive another bail review if he is found competent to stand trial. If he is found incompetent and dangerous, he could be committed until competency is restored.

Police said they believe the killing was an isolated incident and there is no continuing threat to the community.

Charging documents provide additional details about how the investigation developed.

An associate pastor at Frederick Christian Fellowship Church contacted the Sheriff’s Office after a congregant reportedly said he had killed someone. When a deputy arrived at the church, Dickstein was there and provided the Franklin Street address but declined to answer additional questions without an attorney.

A man who had driven Dickstein to the church told investigators that Dickstein said he had shot Bushnell. The driver also reported that Dickstein placed an item in the trunk of his vehicle.

Police later obtained a warrant and found a Beretta handgun case containing a handgun, according to the charging documents.

Investigators also interviewed a neighbor who said Dickstein had described an argument with Bushnell on Saturday afternoon. According to the neighbor’s account in the charging documents, Bushnell had shut off power to the residence while repairing an electrical outlet, upsetting Dickstein.

The same neighbor told police he heard multiple loud bangs coming from the direction of the home at approximately 5:30 a.m. Sunday.

The investigation remains active.

Dickstein has been charged, but the allegations have not been proven in court.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Stephen Radtke at 301-600-3321.