Madison Heights man beaten to death on Christmas Eve

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (FOX 2) - The family of Robert "Bobby" Cavanaugh were devastated by his untimely death on Christmas Eve.

Bobby’s sister, Jane Thompson, says her brother always had a kind heart. 

"He’s kind of a hero to me," said Jane. "He was always reaching out to others, helping them."

In fact, neighbors say Bobby was trying to help a dog when his life was cut short.

"He was an animal lover," said neighbor Rebecca Spencer. "He would not let anybody kill an animal or hurt one."

Residents say Bobby was riding his bike when he saw a neighbor beating a dog in this mobile home community. Bobby intervened but was allegedly attacked with an object. His injuries were so severe he died at a local hospital.

Police and Fire crews responded immediately to their mobile home community.

"Found Mr. Cavanaugh unresponsive and bleeding," said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler. "The fire department tried life-saving measures, transported him to hospital where he was pronounced deceased."

Police say the incident is under investigation, and they are looking into reports that the victim was trying to save a dog.

"There was an altercation of some sort, but we don’t know what led to it," said Koehler. "Our investigation has led to the arrest of someone, but it appeared Cavanaugh had some blunt force trauma which could have potentially caused his death."

Police say the suspect is known to law enforcement. Neighbors say they also want justice for Bobby.

"He has been in this community for so long, and he has helped everybody," said Spencer.

Now Bobby’s family is hoping the community will help them with funeral expenses. 

For details on how to make a donation, go to their GoFundMe page.