Kenneth Swallow, a 30-year-old man from Port Arthur, Texas, was tragically shot and killed on August 16, 2020. The incident occurred in the 3100 block of 10th Street at approximately 10:32 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Swallow unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Justice of the Peace Mark DeRouen pronounced him dead at the scene.
Swallow's death deeply affected his family, with his mother expressing that his death "took everything away" and "destroyed her family."
Darian Tremain Petry, an acquaintance of Kenneth Swallow, was arrested and charged with his murder. Petry voluntarily went to the Port Arthur Police Department on August 17, 2020, and confessed to the shooting. He admitted to being intoxicated and getting into an argument with Swallow, which led to the fatal shooting. Petry also took Swallow's vehicle after the crime and later wrecked it at a Sonic drive-in. Blood from the murder victim was found on Petry's shoes and socks, further implicating him in the crime.
During the court proceedings, Petry pleaded guilty to the murder of Kenneth Swallow. His sister testified on his behalf, stating that Petry had always been helpful and supportive of their family, especially their mother. Despite this, the prosecution presented evidence of Petry's guilt, including his confession and physical evidence from the crime scene. Swallow's mother, Sylvia Gorrer, expressed her belief that even a life sentence would not be enough for Petry, given the gravity of his actions.
On January 25, 2023, Judge Raquel West sentenced Darian Tremain Petry to 25 years in prison for the murder of Kenneth Swallow. Petry apologized for his actions during the sentencing, expressing remorse for what he had done. He will receive credit for the time he has already spent in jail since his arrest. The plea agreement allowed for a maximum sentence of 25 years, which the judge imposed despite Petry's attorney requesting a lesser sentence due to his cooperation with the police.
