Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Darris Allen, 42, faces trial for the murder of Robert Dark, 39, at Martin Auto Mart in Bowling Green. Scheduled to start on October 17, Allen allegedly assisted in the shooting, which left Dark dead. A second suspect, Donald Swain, has also been arrested. The investigation continues amid community concerns about violence in the area.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Trial Set for Man Charged in Auto Mart Death
Darris Allen, a 42-year-old from Warren County, faces trial for the alleged murder of 39-year-old Robert Dark at Martin Auto Mart in Bowling Green. The trial is scheduled to commence on October 17 in Warren Circuit Court.
Allen has been charged with murder by complicity and is currently detained in Warren County Regional Jail under a $500,000 cash bond. According to a criminal complaint, it is alleged that Allen assisted in planning or facilitating the shooting incident that resulted in Dark’s death.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting at Martin Auto Mart around 12:21 p.m. on the day of the incident, where Dark was discovered deceased inside the store, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted to administer lifesaving measures but were ultimately unsuccessful in reviving him.
Surveillance footage taken from the business revealed an individual entering the store prior to the shooting and leaving afterward, entering a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. Authorities located the vehicle, which was observed appearing to surveil the business shortly before the tragic event.
According to court documents, both Allen and Dark had a business partnership in a local restaurant that had recently closed before the shooting occurred. A second suspect, identified as Donald Swain, 46, from Louisville, has also been arrested as a co-conspirator in the murder of Dark. Swain was apprehended in Louisville on July 10 and has since been extradited to Warren County Jail.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to examine the case for further developments. Updates on the situation will be provided as they unfold.
Background Context
The incident has gained attention not only due to the violent nature of the crime but also because of the previous business relationship between Allen and Dark. The closure of their restaurant prior to the shooting may be a contributing factor to the events that transpired on that fateful day.
Community members have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the impact of violence in the area. As the trial approaches, both the prosecution and defense are preparing their cases, aiming to uncover the truth behind the fatal confrontation at Martin Auto Mart.
FAQ Section
What is Darris Allen charged with?
Darris Allen is charged with murder by complicity in the shooting death of Robert Dark.
When is the trial scheduled?
Allen’s trial is scheduled to begin on October 17 in Warren Circuit Court.
What are the details surrounding the shooting incident?
The shooting occurred at Martin Auto Mart around 12:21 p.m. where Robert Dark was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
Who else has been arrested in connection to this case?
A second suspect, Donald Swain, 46, from Louisville, has also been arrested as a co-conspirator in the murder of Dark.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation into the shooting continues, with law enforcement examining the case for additional developments.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Darris Allen |
| Age | 42 |
| Charges | Murder by complicity |
| Trial Date | October 17 |
| Bond Amount | $500,000 cash |
| Victim | Robert Dark |
| Victim’s Age | 39 |
| Date of Incident | Approx. 12:21 p.m. on incident day |
| Second Suspect | Donald Swain |
| Swain’s Age | 46 |
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Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: Swiatek’s Update
- WBKO: One Killed in Bowling Green Shooting
- WSMV: Investigation After Bicyclist Killed in Bowling Green
- WNKY: Second Arrest in Bypass Murder Investigation
- BG Daily News: Update on Donald Swain
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Google Search: Bowling Green Murder
- Google Scholar: Bowling Green Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Google News: Bowling Green Kentucky Crime
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
