Kenneth Swallow, 30, of Port Arthur, Texas, was shot and killed on August 16, 2020, in the 3100 block of 10th Street at about 10:32 p.m. Officers found him unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds and Justice of the Peace Mark DeRouen pronounced him dead at the scene. His mother said his death took everything away and destroyed her family.

An acquaintance, Darian Tremain Petry, voluntarily went to the Port Arthur Police Department the next day, confessed to the shooting and admitted he had been intoxicated and got into an argument with Swallow that led to the fatal gunfire. Petry also took Swallow’s vehicle after the shooting and later wrecked it at a Sonic drive-in; blood from the victim was found on Petry’s shoes and socks.

Petry pleaded guilty to murder. During sentencing on January 25, 2023, Judge Raquel West imposed a 25-year prison term — the maximum under the plea agreement — with credit for time already served; Petry apologized and his sister testified on his behalf. If anyone knew Kenneth, his routines, or saw activity on 10th Street that night, please share what might help the investigation.