A White Center teenager has been charged with second-degree murder in the tragic death of Roy Steven Bird, 63, who was fatally injured following a violent confrontation near Logan Brewing Company in Burien on Dec. 2, 2024.

Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Naim Hicks, who was arrested on Jan. 9, 2025.

Police said that Bird was leaving the brewery with friends when they approached a crosswalk near the intersection of SW 151st Street and 5th Ave SW. According to witnesses, a white SUV, traveling without headlights, failed to stop at the crosswalk and narrowly missed hitting them. One of Bird’s companions threw his keys at the vehicle, prompting the passenger to stop, exit the SUV and confront the group.

Witnesses stated that Hicks struck his friend before punching Bird, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement. Bird – who was legally blind due to Stargardt Disease – was particularly vulnerable and unable to brace for the impact.

“Steve is legally blind day and night, and at nighttime he sees even worse than he does during the day, obviously,” Bird’s friend Doug Williams said in a phone interview with The News Tribune. “So he didn’t see the punch coming. He didn’t prepare for it. It blindsided him, and he went down.”

Bird sustained a subdural hematoma and was pronounced clinically brain dead on Dec. 5.

He was taken off life support Dec. 7, 2024, and his remains were transferred to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy conducted Dec. 9 revealed that the cause of death was from a skull fracture and subdural hematoma.

Video surveillance from nearby businesses and extensive investigative work led detectives to a 2008 Ford Explorer registered to Hicks’ residence in White Center. Hicks was taken into custody and remains in King County Jail. The case is being investigated as a homicide, with the Major Crimes Unit leading the effort.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requested bail of $1 million for Hicks in this case, where probable cause was found for Murder in the Second Degree – Felony Murder. Prosecutors argued the suspect poses a danger to the community, and expect to file charges early next week.

It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Bird’s friends described him as a resilient and independent individual who valued his freedom despite his visual impairment.

The investigation revealed that Hicks had been identified in surveillance footage from several locations near the scene and was later linked to the vehicle involved. Although one eyewitness identified Hicks with 50% certainty during a photographic lineup, investigators say other evidence, including video footage, strongly supports the case.

Hicks is scheduled to appear in court next week. If convicted, he faces substantial prison time.

A memorial service for Bird will be held sometime in February, according to The News Tribune.

“He would interact with people at bus stops, seniors who didn’t have smartphones, or immigrants who weren’t sure how to navigate the system,” Laura Svancarek told The News Tribune. “That’s the most important thing about Steven … he was profoundly kind and just wanted to help.”

In his last selfless act, Bird was kept on life support long enough to become, according to his last wishes, an organ donor.

Everyone at The B-Town Blog/South King Media sends out their deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Steven Bird.