Two guilty of murder after man stabbed in four-minute broad daylight attack

Two people have been found guilty of murdering a man who was stabbed to death in a Lincolnshire town centre.

Danny Fowler was stabbed multiple times during an incident in Union Street, in Market Rasen, on Thursday, March 12.

A six-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court concluded with 29-year-old Ryan Townhill being found guilty of the murder of 37-year-old Mr Fowler in a terrifying attack lasting less than four minutes.

Mr Fowler died in Market Rasen at around 5pm on March 12, 2026, after the attack left him with multiple stab wounds.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and a large-scale murder investigation began, with eight cordons being established across the usually quiet West Lindsey town at one stage.

The jury at Lincoln Crown Court also convicted 31-year-old Shannon Doocey, of Mill Street in Market Rasen, alongside 55-year-old Martin Doocey, of Waverley Court in Market Rasen, in connection with the Union Street murder.

Shannon Doocey was found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon whilst Martin Doocey was found guilty of manslaughter.

The pair were also involved in a separate Market Rasen altercation on Waterloo Street in September 2025 involving multiple public order, violence and weapons offences – with those taking part due to attend court for that matter on the day of Mr Fowler’s murder.

Shannon Doocey was found guilty of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the Waterloo Street incident, whilst Martin Doocey was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.

All three are currently due to be sentenced on November 17.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Ryan Townhill’s vehicle approached Danny Fowler’s vehicle when the altercation began, with Townhill delivering the first two blows and damaging the car’s tyres.

Shannon Doocey was then seen leaving a nearby and quickly joining the confrontation, armed with a broken wine bottle.

Mr Fowler returned towards Townhill and Shannon Doocey with a baseball bat and was also seen with a knife during the confrontation.

The incident escalated when Mr Fowler fell to the ground and was stabbed multiple times. The court heard that Martin Doocey became involved in the altercation after Mr Fowler had fallen to the floor.

CCTV footage overall showed Townhill delivering nine blows with his knife, whilst Stacey Doocey carried out several blows, believed to be with the broken bottle, and Martin Doocey also carried out 14 blows.

Shannon Doocey and Townhill immediately fled the scene as Martin Doocey remained in Union Street, with CCTV footage showing him purchasing a bottle of whiskey and water in the area before being arrested by officers.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Melissa Rooke, said: ‘Danny Fowler lost his life in an act of extreme violence carried out in Market Rasen in the middle of the afternoon.

‘What happened that day unfolded in a matter of seconds, but the consequences have been devastating and long-lasting for Danny’s family, those who witnessed the incident, and the wider community.

‘This was an incident that took place in broad daylight in a busy town centre street, in full view of members of the public. A number of those witnesses have had to relive what they saw throughout this investigation and during the court process.

‘The evidence presented to the jury included CCTV footage, forensic evidence and witness testimony, which enabled us to build a comprehensive picture of the events that led to Danny’s death.

‘Our thoughts remain firmly with Danny’s family and loved ones. I would like to thank everyone who came forward with information during the investigation and throughout the subsequent court proceedings.

‘Their support has been invaluable in helping us establish the circumstances surrounding what happened. I would also like to recognise the dedication of the officers and staff involved in this investigation, alongside our partner agencies, whose professionalism ensured every available line of enquiry was pursued.’

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