I am new to the forum, and usually wait until I have a question to post. But this brings back all sorts of feelings for me. I had a neighbor that beat my dog to death several years ago. I came home from work and found her, still on her run. The neighbor said the barking was bothering him. Sammy was born without the ability to bark.
I don't know about your state, but in my case anyway, the penalty that was brought against my neighbor was 10,000 fine for animal creulty, 1 year in jail and 5 years probabtion. Even with that I know I will never get Sammy back. I feel for you, and I hope you get justice for him.