Dozens gather to honor Dominick Calhoun

LINDEN Dominick Calhoun died on Monday after the Genesee County Prosecutor says he endured several days of 'torture'.

On Tuesday, police arrested Brandon Hays, the boyfriend of Dominick's mother. He was booked on drug charges, but also suspected in Dominick's death.

Thursday, the Genesee County Prosecutor formally charged Hays for the little boy's death. Authorities report Dominick endured 'torturous' beatings by Hayes that continued for days.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told ABC12 reporters that Dominick urinated on himself while he was eating breakfast on the sofa and Hayes beat him to try and give a sense of discipline.

A Facebook page titled "Justice for Dominick" was set up earlier in the week and already more than 22,000 people have joined.

His story shocked, not just Mid-Michigan, but communities across the country. In Linden, a vigil was held in Dominick's honor. Those who knew him and even complete strangers gathered to mourn his death and celebrate his life.

Dominick was described as a happy, energetic 4-year-old who loved to dance.

Dominick was the light of his grandparents life. "We loved our grandson. He was our only grandson."

Dominick's grandparents, along with the entire community, mourn his death. Loved ones said, "We loved our Dominick and he will be missed."

With the death of his son still very raw, Eric Calhoun stood before hundreds of people to say goodbye to his son. "I love my son very much and thank you."

One by one, family members shared a memory, vowing never to forget him. Family members said that Dominick changed their life both in his birth and his death.

Those affected ask others to learn from they're lose. "Hold your babies. Make sure they're safe," said Rick.

A sea of strangers mourned alongside the family, all releasing blue balloons into the sky.

Dominick's aunt also spoke at the vigil. "He needs to be remembered and that's why I'm here tonight (Saturday)."

The candlelight vigil, which was organized by strangers, united both a community and a family struggling to understand why.

Some attendants said that even though they did not know Dominick or his family, they wanted to come out and support them. One participant even said, "Last night, I crawled into bed with my son and just hugged him and kissed him because it effected me."

Rick will always miss his grandson. "The hole is so huge in my heart. He was such a great baby."

Little blue ribbons were handed out Saturday both in memory of Dominick and in honor of child abuse awareness month, which is going on this month.