Late Saturday night, Nov. 7, Wylie carpenter Jonathan Bird, age 28, was returning home from a fishing trip with the oldest son of his fiancee, Codi Duer, and the son’s friend. When a pickup truck sped down the street, Bird told the driver to slow down.
 

The driver threatened him, saying he would return “with an AK” and sped away. He picked up four other white males in the neighborhood and returned to Bird’s home, where the five men attacked Bird with their fists and with a hammer, which was later found in the pickup by Wylie PD and verified as a murder weapon in the assault.

Although witnesses said he died on the scene, Bird was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Methodist Richardson Medical Center where he was taken by Wylie Fire-Rescue.

All five of the suspects were apprehended by Wylie police within 12 hours. Four are 16 years of age and cannot therefore be identified; one man, Ethan Dorris, is 17. All are Wylie residents. They are still in custody, charged with murder.

Wylie Mayor Eric Hogue expressed his grief at the incident and his pride regarding the rapid actions of WPD. “It has been a very challenging week for our entire community,” he said. “Early Sunday morning, a terrible and senseless death shook our city. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jonathan Bird, who have been affected by this tragedy.
 

“I want to commend our Wylie police officers who have done an amazing job over the last few days protecting our city, which continues to be one of the main reasons we have such a low crime rate. Before the morning light broke, the police already had the suspects in custody. We are truly fortunate to have the best and brightest men and women who continually serve and protect our citizens.”

He said there were others who should be acknowledged. “I also want to recognize and thank our 911 dispatchers and Wylie Fire-Rescue who were standing by and helping assist our police officers in any way that they could.

“Now is the time for our city to unite and support one another as we face the aftermath of this terrible crime.”

Part of the uniting and healing process took place Tuesday night, Nov. 10, when a candlelight vigil was held, organized by Third Street-area residents Danny and Jana Olivieri, Renee McMenamy and Cheri Wilmon at the intersection of Third and Butler, the site of the beating.

Mr. Olivieri conducted a service, which was attended by approximately 100 neighbors and friends of Bird and Duer. “We need to heal as a community,” Mr. Olivieri said. “We’re not alone. This is all about love and a celebration of Jonathan Bird’s life.”

Many residents expressed their sorrow, noting that Jonathan’s actions reflected steps they might have taken under the circumstances. “He did exactly what I would’ve done – what I have done,” said Coral Watkins. 

“Speeding is a big problem in the neighborhood, and he [Bird] didn’t do anything that night that others hadn’t done,” resident Katrene Manley said. 

Normally a quiet neighborhood, the tone of the area in which the assault took place has changed in recent months, residents said. According to Manley, “A few months ago, every car parked on the street was tagged with orange spray paint.”

Some neighbors took the opportunity to urge police to keep a closer eye on their part of town. Pamela Willey said city officials “sometimes forget the older part of town – the newer areas become more of a priority,” also noting that some neighbors are making plans to start a neighborhood watch program. “Please don’t forget the older parts of Wylie,” she said, directing her plea to community leaders.

McMenamy said she had only met Bird once, but she felt the need to gather with her neighbors and show support. “I can’t believe something like this could have happened in our community, but I’m still proud to say I’m from Wylie, and I hope we all take this opportunity to talk to our kids about the right choices,” she said.

Mr. Olivieri urged the family and neighbors to look for answers from each other and from God. “Don’t try to figure this out on your own,” he said. “Reach out. Reach up. It saddens me that we live in these kind of times, but take heart; you’re not alone. 

 

“Although it is a dark time, there is something that dispels darkness, and that is light. These candles symbolize the light of Jesus Christ.”

 

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