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Maryland Man Accused of Killing Roommate, Confessing to Church Pastor
Police say Irwin Joseph Dickstein confessed at a church after the shooting, and a public defender has requested a competency evaluation.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, 87-year-old Irwin Joseph Dickstein allegedly shot and killed his roommate, 63-year-old Michael Roy Bushnell, in their Frederick home before confessing to a pastor at Frederick Christian Fellowship Church.
The dispute reportedly escalated after Bushnell turned off the home's power to repair an electrical outlet, prompting Dickstein's anger; neighbors heard multiple loud bangs around 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
Investigators recovered a handgun from a gray suitcase in the vehicle that transported Dickstein to church, where he confessed to 'killing his roommate, known to him as Michael.'
Facing first- and second-degree murder charges, Dickstein is held without bail at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center pending a court-ordered competency evaluation.
A competency hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13, followed by a preliminary hearing on Oct. 21, to determine whether Dickstein can assist in his own defense.