Royal Samuel Birden, a 51-year-old African American real estate agent born January 4, 1970, was killed by gunfire in Westwego, Louisiana, on December 31, 2021. He was engaged to be married at the time and was described as a beloved member of his community.

No public announcements have been made about arrests, and no details about suspects, persons of interest, or active investigative developments have been released. His funeral was held at Heavenly Star Missionary Baptist Church in Marrero, and he was buried at Rest Lawn Cemetery in Avondale.

Those who knew Royal or who have information about his death are asked to come forward and share what they know.