MAD DADS walk for arson victim

Robert Levey, 83, killed after his home went up in flames

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Friends and family of a murdered senior citizen teamed up Saturday night with MAD DADS in hopes of bringing a killer to justice.

Robert Levey, 83, died a week and a half ago after his home on Mimosa Drive went up in flames, an act police are calling arson.

Channel 4's Ashley Harding was there for the walk and spoke with Levey's son.

Those with MAD DADS, friends and family of Levey combed the neighborhoods, knocking on doors, hoping to get any information to find who murdered him.

"I've seen these reports on TV and it's somebody else standing there saying what happened to their relative and you feel for them, but you never think it's going to happen to you."

A makeshift memorial now stands in front of Levey's home.

Donald Foy with MAD DADS is outraged that no arrests have been made.

"We feel all of Jacksonville should be enraged about a senior 83 years of age being brutally murdered, and no one is standing up and saying anything or doing anything about it," said Foy.

Those who knew Levey describe him as someone who loved people and animals. His loved ones say he had a favorite phrase: "Never had a bad day," it's a philosophy he always lived by.

"Even though he was getting older and perhaps getting trailer, he had a sense of purpose and a sense of optimism," said Russ. "I'm sure he probably uttered that phrase that day. If he didn't, he probably felt it in his heart."

Those coping with Levey's death are praying someone will come forward. Channel 4 Crime Expert Ken Jefferson said just one vital piece of information from the public may crack this case wide open.

"There may have been a suspicious person hanging around a couple of days before," said Jefferson. "If you can remember that and get the police a description, that's very helpful in cases like this."


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.