Mount Clemens, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Michael Stirling, a 51-year-old Clinton Township man, was arraigned on charges of Involuntary Manslaughter and Vulnerable Adult Abuse related to the death of his elderly father.
It is alleged that on Sunday, November 3, 2024, a neighbor reportedly called police after observing Michael Stirling attempting to enter his residence while appearing disoriented. Clinton Township Police responded and assisted Stirling in gaining entry to his home. Once inside, officers conducted a welfare check on Stirling’s father, 77-year-old James Stirling, who was found deceased in his bed.
It is further alleged that Michael Stirling identified himself as his father’s live-in caretaker. He initially stated that he had last seen his father the previous day, but later reported that he had left the home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, after arranging for someone else to look after him. However, that individual could not be located, and the phone number provided was found to be non-working. The medical examiner determined that the cause of James Stirling’s death was dehydration, and the manner was classified as homicide.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Stirling was arraigned in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI before Magistrate Ryan Zemke on the following charges:
Homicide – Manslaughter – Involuntary, a 15-year felony
Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Second Degree, a 4-year felony
Habitual Offender – Second Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
Magistrate Zemke set a $250,000 cash/surety bond. Stirling was referred to Community Mental Health and for a substance abuse evaluation. If released, Stirling must wear a steel cuff GPS tether, no drugs or alcohol, and is subject to house arrest, allowing him to leave only for medical emergencies, court, or meet with his attorney.
A Probable Cause Conference for Stirling is scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:30 am before Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca at the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI.
"Today’s arraignment involves serious allegations that, according to the charges, resulted in the death of a vulnerable senior. My office remains committed to protecting the elderly in our community. When those entrusted with a loved one’s care are alleged to have failed in that duty, and harm results, we take those cases seriously and will pursue justice through the legal process," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
