Frederick Police Charge Local Man with Murder in Franklin Street Death Investigation

The Frederick Police Department has announced the arrest of an 87-year-old Frederick man in connection with the death of his roommate, 63-year-old Michael Roy Bushnell. According to information released by the department, officers discovered Bushnell deceased at a residence on Franklin Street following a report received from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation was initiated on September 20, 2026, after Irwin Joseph Dickstein reportedly informed a witness that he had shot his roommate and provided the location of the incident. Frederick Police officers were dispatched to the unit block of Franklin Street to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival, they found the residence unsecured and, upon entering, discovered Michael Roy Bushnell, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators subsequently identified Irwin Joseph Dickstein as the suspect. Dickstein was located and taken into custody at a different location without incident. He was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for proceedings before a District Court commissioner.

Dickstein faces charges including one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder. Authorities believe this incident was isolated and do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community. The Frederick Police Department has acknowledged the assistance of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in the initial response to this case. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and further details are being withheld to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Stephen Radtke at 301-600-3321. Michael Roy Bushnell, the victim, was born on August 23, 1963. Irwin Joseph Dickstein, the suspect, was born on December 18, 1938. The case number associated with this investigation is 2026-059966.

Residents of Frederick can be assured that law enforcement is actively investigating this incident. While the details remain limited due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the department has indicated that the incident is believed to be isolated, aiming to provide reassurance to the community. Further information will be released as it becomes available and is deemed appropriate by the investigators.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Frederick Police Department.

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