A 51-year-old Michigan man was arrested this week months after his 77-year-old father was found dead in his bed from dehydration.

Michael Stirling identified himself as his father’s full time caretaker on November 3, 2024, when a neighbor called police after seeing Stirling trying to enter his home but appearing disoriented, WDIV reported.

Clinton Township police arrived and helped Stirling into the home then conducted a welfare check on James Stirling, who was found dead in his bed.

The younger Stirling initially told police that he’d seen his father the day before, but later said that he’d left the home nearly a week earlier after arraigning for someone else to look after the elderly man.  Police said, however, that person could not be located, and the phone number Stirling gave was non-fuctioning.

The medical examiner eventually determined that James Stirling died from dehydration and the manner of death was classified as homicide.

Michael Stirling was arraigned on Wednesday, charged with involuntary manslaughter and vulnerable adult abuse with a habitual offender sentencing enhancement. He was given a $250,000 bond.

The Detroit News said that Stirling pleaded guilty last July to firing a gun in a building.

After his arraignment, Stirling was taken to Community Mental Health for a substance abuse evaluation, WDIV said.

If he posts bond, he must wear a GPS tether, cannot have drugs or alcohol, and is subject to house arrest, allowed to leave only for medical emergencies, court, or meetings with his attorney.

He is due in court again on August 18.