Oakland Co. Man Charged In Brutal Death Of Man Who Was Trying To Save Abused Dog: Police

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI — An Oakland County man is facing charges in connection with the brutal death of a man who was trying to save a dog from being abused by its owner, according to police.

Robert Cavanaugh, 60, was found severely beaten at 7:39 p.m. in the 26000 block of Dequindre in Madison Heights on last Tuesday, according to police.

He was taken to Henry Ford Hospital in Madison Heights where he died, according to police.

Rodney Beasley, 68, of Madison Heights, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He was placed in jail with a $100,000 bond.

If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office was still trying to determine Cavanaugh's death, but said it appears he suffered blunt force trauma.

As the investigation continues, police said they will update the charges and turn over the investigation to the prosecutor's office.

Cavanaugh's sister, Jane Thompson, said he was riding his bicycle through his Madison Heights neighborhood on Christmas Eve and tried to save a dog getting beaten, according to a verified GoFundMe campaign.

"With no hesitation, Bobby tried to stop that man, but instead, Bobby was beaten to death with a pipe this man is a repeated felon, and has been released from two different long-term prison sentences," Thompson wrote in the fundraiser's description. "Bobby had a heart of gold and would do whatever he could to help the community in any way that he could and would never ask for a penny."

The GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $27,000 on Monday, was created to help family members with funeral costs.