Man sentenced for assaulting Oakland County man trying to rescue abused dog

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – A man charged for beating a Madison Heights man on Christmas Eve was sentenced to less than a year.

Rodney Beasley was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after assaulting Robert Cavanaugh on Dec. 24, 2024.

Cavanaugh’s family members said he was trying to rescue a dog when he was attacked. He was known for rescuing animals.

Cavanaugh was reportedly beaten with a pipe because he stepped between a helpless dog who was being abused and its owner. He later died.

Beasley was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a 4-year felony. He pleaded no contest to his charge.

The 68-year-old was sentenced to 250 days in jail.