October 4, 2025

Restaurant Manager Shot and Killed on DART Train

Dallas, October 4, 2025

News Summary

A 53-year-old restaurant manager, Daniel Gormley, was shot and killed on a DART train in Dallas following a verbal confrontation. The incident occurred near Market Center Station. Christopher Atkins, 27, has been charged with Gormley’s murder. Gormley was unarmed and was shot three times in the chest during the altercation. The incident has raised concerns over transit safety as crime rates on DART lines have reportedly increased this year.

Dallas — A 53-year-old restaurant manager was shot and killed on a Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) train late on September 29 after a verbal confrontation, and a 27-year-old man has been charged in the killing.

Key facts

Daniel Gormley, 53, was the manager of Po Melvin’s in Irving. Gormley celebrated his birthday the day before the incident, on September 28. On September 29, around 10 p.m., Gormley took a DART train home after a night out celebrating at Deep Ellum. He was shot and killed near Market Center Station while on the DART train following a verbal confrontation. Christopher Atkins, 27, has been charged with Gormley’s murder.

What happened

The shooting occurred on a DART train near Market Center Station after a verbal confrontation between two passengers. Gormley was shot three times in the chest by Atkins during the altercation. A DART rail operator witnessed the argument, where Gormley reportedly told Atkins to exit the train before being shot. First responders arrived but declared Gormley dead at the scene. Gormley was found lying at the entrance of the train car.

Evidence and charges

Investigators have documented the incident with the rail operator’s report and an arrest affidavit supplied by police. Evidence from the incident includes the operator’s report and an arrest affidavit supplied by police. Officers arrested Christopher Atkins and Christopher Atkins, 27, has been charged with Gormley’s murder. Authorities reported that Gormley was shot and killed despite being unarmed during the confrontation.

Victim and workplace

Gormley worked as a manager in Irving. Melvin LeMane, the owner of Po Melvin’s, described Gormley as dependable, hospitable, and a great employee. LeMane mentioned Gormley often brought donuts for the staff, personally paying for them. Coworkers and community members expressed sorrow and condolence. It was reported that Gormley had little immediate family and was described as a sweet guy who was not confrontational.

Transit safety and crime trends

The DART Police chief addressed the shooting as an uncommon and serious incident and emphasized agency commitments to safety. Chief Cato of DART Police noted that incidents like this are extremely rare and emphasized their commitment to safety. At the same time, available crime data show rising concerns on transit lines this year. Crime rates on DART lines have actually increased this year, with serious offenses doubling from January to June. In related statistics, Group A offenses, which include arson and assault, have increased by 44% since last year. As safety worries grew among riders, Local officials demanded crime statistics from DART as safety concerns grow among riders.

Community response and next steps

Po Melvin’s ownership and coworkers noted Gormley’s consistent workplace habits and community presence. The DART Police continue to investigate the incident and have relied on the operator’s account and the arrest affidavit as part of their case. Authorities said the suspect faces murder charges and the case will proceed through the criminal justice process. The incident has prompted calls for clearer transit safety data and additional agency transparency.

Additional context

Transit agencies nationwide and locally track criminal activity on trains and at stations. A DART rail operator’s report and an arrest affidavit were cited as primary evidence in this case. The fatal shooting of an unarmed passenger while on a transit vehicle raises concerns about passenger conflict escalation and officer and operator response protocols. Local officials and transit officials have been asked for more detailed crime reporting as riders and community leaders seek clearer information about safety trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was killed?

Daniel Gormley, 53, was the manager of Po Melvin’s in Irving.

When did the incident occur?

On September 29, around 10 p.m., Gormley took a DART train home after a night out celebrating at Deep Ellum.

What happened on the train?

He was shot and killed near Market Center Station while on the DART train following a verbal confrontation.

Who has been charged?

Christopher Atkins, 27, has been charged with Gormley’s murder.

How many times was Gormley shot?

Gormley was shot three times in the chest by Atkins during the altercation.

Was there a witness on the train?

A DART rail operator witnessed the argument, where Gormley reportedly told Atkins to exit the train before being shot.

What did first responders find?

First responders arrived but declared Gormley dead at the scene. Gormley was found lying at the entrance of the train car.

What did the victim’s employer say?

Melvin LeMane, the owner of Po Melvin’s, described Gormley as dependable, hospitable, and a great employee. LeMane mentioned Gormley often brought donuts for the staff, personally paying for them.

Was the victim armed?

Gormley was shot and killed despite being unarmed during the confrontation.

What have officials said about transit safety?

Chief Cato of DART Police noted that incidents like this are extremely rare and emphasized their commitment to safety.

Are transit crime rates changing?

Crime rates on DART lines have actually increased this year, with serious offenses doubling from January to June. Group A offenses, which include arson and assault, have increased by 44% since last year. Local officials demanded crime statistics from DART as safety concerns grow among riders.

Incident summary
Date	Time	Victim	Age	Location
September 29	Around 10 p.m.	Daniel Gormley	53	Near Market Center Station (DART train)
Suspect	Charge	Shots fired	Victim armed?	Evidence
Christopher Atkins, 27	Murder	Three times in the chest	No — unarmed	Operator report; arrest affidavit
Victim workplace		Community notes		Transit crime trends
Manager of Po Melvin’s in Irving		Described as dependable and hospitable; brought donuts for staff		Serious offenses doubled Jan–Jun; Group A up 44% year-over-year

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas 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 State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

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