A man who pleaded guilty to killing his father was tentatively sentenced to deferred probation up to 10 years May 18 in Jefferson County.
Logan Birdsong pleaded guilty to manslaughter for causing the death of his father, former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Major Roy Birdsong ,69, in December 2023. Police reported at the time of death that the victim was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, and his son, Logan Kyle Birdsong, 25, was the caregiver at their Port Neches home.
“You would be pleading guilty, but not be found guilty,” Stevens said May 18, as Logan Birdsong admitted guilt to a lesser included charge of manslaughter; Birdsong had been indicted for murder in his father’s death.
A Port Neches Police Department officer was sent at approximately 4:14 p.m. Dec. 7, 2023, to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas in reference to a domestic disturbance, according to a probable cause affidavit for Logan Birdsong’s arrest. The disturbance reportedly occurred at a home in the 600 block of Mildred Manor, Port Neches. The officer was advised the victim, Roy Birdsong, had been assaulted by his son, Logan Birdsong.
According to the police report, Logan Birdsong said he was frustrated with his father and, while his father was sitting on the toilet, the son struck his father on the right side of the head with an open palm approximately three times. The officer noted being unable to speak with the victim due to him being unresponsive. Nearly two weeks later, the victim succumbed to the injuries and died in hospice care.
A police review of medical records allegedly indicated the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head; the death was ruled a homicide. By that time, Logan Birdsong advised he had secured an attorney and did not speak again with investigators; the son was arrested, and released on a $30,000 bond to await his day in court.
Stevens has ordered a post-sentence report to be conducted prior to assessing the complete terms of Birdsong’s probation.