Man Mauled to Death by 3 Dogs in Oakland; Dogs’ Owner Arrested on Felony Charges
Oakland, CA – Brendan Thomas Burke, a 57-year-old resident of Oakland, faces serious legal repercussions following a tragic incident on September 1, in which his three mastiff breeds fatally attacked a man in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
Burke has been charged with a felony under California law for failing to securely confine his dogs, leading to the death of 53-year-old Robert Holguin.
Burke was formally arraigned at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin this morning, where he remains in custody. The victim, identified as Robert Holguin, was a friend of Burke’s.
The attack occurred on the 1600 block of 36th Avenue, near Burke’s residence. According to court documents and law enforcement reports, the fatal encounter unfolded around 12:20 p.m. on that Sunday.
I've learned Brendan Burke, 57, arrested by @oaklandpoliceca, charged by @AlamedaCountyDA w/failing to control dogs that fatally mauled a man underneath car on 36th Ave. near E. 16th St. @oaklandsanimals services had been to suspect's home previously pic.twitter.com/wW6fyGgLpi
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) September 4, 2024
Holguin, who had been working on a car in a nearby driveway, was reportedly attacked by Burke’s three dogs after they escaped through a hole in the fence surrounding Burke’s property.
Despite his efforts to escape by hiding under a vehicle, Holguin was mauled to death by the dogs.
A witness to the attack intervened by wielding a pipe in an attempt to fend off the aggressive animals, but unfortunately, Holguin succumbed to his injuries at the scene before emergency responders arrived.
Authorities have disclosed that the three dogs involved in the fatal attack—two females and one male—were euthanized on September 5. These dogs were described as being “half-cane corso” and “half-Neapolitan mastiff,” each weighing approximately 100 pounds.
According to court documents, these dogs had a history of behavioral issues and failed to respond to commands. Additionally, animal control officers reported that the dogs had previously escaped from Burke’s property, including just one day before the deadly attack.
Burke had attempted to secure the escape route by blocking the hole with a dog fence and cinder blocks.
The California statute under which Burke is charged states:
“(a) If any person owning or having custody or control of a mischievous animal, knowing its propensities, willfully suffers it to go at large, or keeps it without ordinary care, and the animal, while so at large, or while not kept with ordinary care, kills any human being who has taken all the precautions that the circumstances permitted, or which a reasonable person would ordinarily take in the same situation, is guilty of a felony.”
The rapid filing of charges against Burke suggests that at least one of the dogs involved may have had a prior bite record or could have been legally designated as “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous.”
This could simplify the prosecution’s task of proving Burke’s knowledge of the dogs’ dangerous tendencies.
Alex Holguin, Robert’s brother, spoke to KTVU, expressing shock and sorrow over his brother’s death. Alex, who lives out of state, described Robert as a person who had struggled with mental illness and addiction and had lived a transient lifestyle.
He shared that his brother had served time in prison for drug-related offenses and had been known locally as a “street preacher.”
“The pain of losing my brother in such a manner is overwhelming,” Alex said. “We are merciful and forgiving, but it is important that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.” He emphasized that, despite their grief, his family remains committed to forgiveness and justice.
In addition to the three dogs euthanized following the attack, Oakland Animal Services have confiscated three other dogs from Burke’s property.
As the legal proceedings continue, this case underscores the serious responsibilities pet owners have to ensure their animals do not pose a danger to the public.
