A tragic incident unfolded in Oakland when three dogs fatally attacked a man on a Sunday afternoon before noon. The victim, identified as Robert Holguin, was discovered with multiple dog bites and pronounced dead at the scene in the 1600 block of 36th Avenue, as per reports from the NBC Bay Area. The dogs, described as half Cane Corso and half Neapolitan Mastiff, were said to be large and intimidating by Ali Alhidhani, a local store owner who had seen the dogs multiple times.

The brother of the deceased, Alex Holguin, spoke out about his brother's struggles and character. "He went through some difficult times. He served a little time in prison [and is] known as the street preacher," Alex said to NBC Bay Area. The family is mourning but has shown forgiveness, with Alex adding, "If he's listening, you are forgiven, and everyone will be held accountable if they break the law".

The owner of the dogs, 57-year-old Brendan Burke, has been charged with failing to control the animals that were involved in the attack. Court documents reveal that the dogs had escaped from Burke's yard a day prior to the attack, and he admitted they do not respond to commands. KTVU reports that animal control officers had previously visited Burke's home in connection with the dogs.

Brendan Burke is now being held at Santa Rita Jail, facing charges related to the tragic incident. Holguin's brother, who lives out of state, told KTVU, "Imagine hearing how your loved one was attacked by a dog. It's horrible". He also shared that Robert knew the owner of the dogs and that his struggle with mental illness and drug addiction spiraled him into homelessness. Despite this, Alex described Robert as a man of faith and a street preacher. "We don't know you. We are merciful. We are forgiving. We are Christian", Alex had said to the dog owner, according to KTVU.

Following the attack, the three dogs involved were euthanized, and the other three dogs from the property are now housed with Oakland Animal Services. The immediate community has expressed concern for their safety, with one nearby resident indicating she would avoid walking past the dog owner's home. A memorial service for Robert Holguin is planned to be held by his family next month.