Inset: Irwin J. Dickstein (Frederick Police Dept.). Background: The home where Dickstein allegedly killed his roommate (WJLA).
An 87-year-old man in Maryland is accused of killing his roommate, allegedly shooting the victim during an argument over an electrical outlet before leaving the home and later telling a pastor that he was a killer.
Irwin Joseph Dickstein was taken into custody on Sunday and charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 63-year-old Michael Roy Bushnell, authorities announced.
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According to a press release from the Frederick Police Department, the case began on Sept. 20, when deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office contacted police after receiving a tip regarding 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.”
Acting on the information, officers responded to the first block of Franklin Street to conduct a welfare check at the address provided by the witness.
Upon arriving, police found the residence unsecured and entered the home. Inside, they found Bushnell, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Dickstein was later found at a separate location and taken into custody without incident, police said.
Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate WJLA provided additional details, citing a probable cause affidavit filed in the case.
The affidavit reportedly describes a series of events that began with a dispute between the roommates over electrical work at their shared home. Bushnell had reportedly told a neighbor that he was attempting to repair an outlet and had turned off the power, which upset Dickstein.
The neighbor told investigators that the two men had been arguing before the neighbor heard several loud bangs coming from the residence at about 5:30 a.m.
By late morning, Dickstein had gone to Frederick Christian Fellowship Church, where he allegedly told a pastor that he had killed someone. The pastor contacted police at about 10:30 a.m. and reported that a congregant had confessed to murder.
In an interview with detectives, Dickstein allegedly admitted to the murder, identified Bushnell as the person he had killed, and confirmed that the victim was inside the Franklin Street residence. He then refused to speak without a lawyer.
The man who drove Dickstein to the church that morning also spoke with investigators, WJLA reported. He said Dickstein had told him he needed to talk to 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.
Dickstein is being held in the Frederick County Jail without bond. He is being represented by the county public defender’s office and is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing to determine his competency on Oct. 13, records show.
The post Man killed roommate while arguing over electrical outlet, confessed to pastor who immediately turned him in: Police first appeared on Law & Crime.
