Dominick Calhoun's family has been waiting for this day for a very long time.
Two years ago, the four-year-old was tortured to death in one of the worst cases of child abuse in Michigan history. But his death was not in vain.
Legislation named in honor of Dominick will soon land on Governor Rick Snyder's desk, making the state's child abuse laws some of the toughest in the country.
In April 2010, Dominick was slowly beaten to death over a four-day period by his mother's boyfriend. No one, including his mother, did anything to help the little blonde-haired boy as he begged for help while Brandon Hayes pummeled, kicked and burned him relentlessly.
Hayes is serving two life sentences. Dominick's mom, Corrine Baker is serving 13 to 30. After Dominick's death, his paternal grandfather and numerous supporters went to work to protect other children from abuse through Dominick's Law.
Here's what it does. It stiffens the penalties for first and second degree child abuse. It also makes it a crime to commit abuse in front of another child and it makes it a crime for those who witness child abuse to stand by and do nothing.
Dominick's Law finally passed both houses of the legislature on Thursday. It is expected to be signed by Snyder as early as next week.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:17 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:17:03 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Dominick Calhoun, seen here at age 4 in 2010.
