Publication select ▼
Rodney Beasley
MADISON HEIGHTS — A Madison Heights man was allegedly beaten to death during an altercation on Christmas Eve, police confirmed.
At press time on Dec. 30, official details were still scarce.
“We have received no credible witness information regarding the victim trying to rescue a dog,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler, responding to reports that the fight had occurred when the victim attempted to save a dog from being attacked. “The information we have is that there was a verbal argument that became physical.”
Police and paramedics received the call around 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve. The victim was Robert Cavanaugh, 60, of Madison Heights. He was located unresponsive on the ground in the 26000 block of Dequindre Road, near Interstate 696.
Koehler said Cavanaugh appeared to have suffered from blunt force trauma. Personnel from the Madison Heights Fire Department immediately began performing life-saving measures, transporting Cavanaugh to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Responding officers found the situation suspicious and began an on-scene investigation, leading them to the suspect believed responsible for Cavanaugh’s death.
Rodney Beasley, 68, of Madison Heights, was arrested. He was arraigned Dec. 27 in the 43rd District Court in Madison Heights. He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony, and was given a $100,000 cash or surety bond.
At press time, Beasley was still waiting for a court-appointed attorney, according to court records, and authorities were still waiting for Cavanaugh’s autopsy results from the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, at which point charges may be updated.
Anyone with more information is asked to call (248) 837-2737 to speak directly with the detective investigating the case, or the nonemergency line of the Madison Heights Police Department at (248) 585-2100.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
