Two people have been convicted of murdering a 37-year-old man who was fatally stabbed during a violent confrontation in a Lincolnshire town centre, while a third defendant has been found guilty of manslaughter.
Danny Fowler died from multiple stab wounds after violence erupted in Union Street, Market Rasen, on Thursday 12 March 2026.
The attack took place in broad daylight, lasted less than four minutes and unfolded in front of members of the public.
Following a six-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court, Ryan Townhill, 29, and Shannon Doocey, 31, were found guilty of murder on Friday 23 October.
Martin Doocey, 55, was convicted of manslaughter.
All three defendants are due to be sentenced on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Fatal Attack Unfolded in Busy Market Rasen Street
Emergency services were called to Union Street at approximately 5.07pm on 12 March following reports of a seriously injured man.
Danny Fowler was found suffering from suspected stab wounds.
Despite the efforts of emergency crews, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination subsequently confirmed that he had died from multiple stab wounds.
The attack, which occurred during the late afternoon in Market Rasen town centre, caused significant alarm among local residents and businesses.
CCTV Captured Confrontation Lasting Less Than Four Minutes
During the murder trial, jurors were shown CCTV footage documenting the events leading up to Mr Fowler’s death.
The court heard that Ryan Townhill approached Mr Fowler’s vehicle before a confrontation developed in Union Street.
Townhill was reported during the trial to have struck the first blows and damaged the tyres of Mr Fowler’s car.
Shannon Doocey then emerged from a nearby shop and became involved in the confrontation.
Evidence heard in court described her carrying a broken wine bottle.
Mr Fowler subsequently returned towards Townhill and Shannon Doocey carrying a baseball bat.
The jury also heard that he was seen with a knife during the altercation.
As the violence intensified, Mr Fowler fell to the ground and was repeatedly attacked.
He suffered the multiple stab wounds that caused his death.
Martin Doocey became involved after Mr Fowler had fallen.
The entire incident lasted less than four minutes, but the consequences were devastating.
Murderers Fled Scene After Fatal Violence
Following the attack, Ryan Townhill and Shannon Doocey left Union Street.
Martin Doocey remained at the location and was subsequently arrested by police.
Detectives from Lincolnshire Police’s Major Crime Unit launched an extensive murder investigation.
The operation involved forensic examinations, CCTV analysis, witness interviews and digital evidence.
Eight separate crime scene guards were established across Market Rasen as investigators worked to preserve evidence connected to the killing.
Officers also recovered clothing and weapons during searches of locations associated with those involved.
The evidence gathered during the investigation formed a central part of the prosecution case.
Three Defendants Convicted Following Six-Week Trial
The jury returned the following verdicts at Lincoln Crown Court.
Ryan Townhill, 29, of no fixed address, was convicted of murdering Danny Fowler. He was also found guilty of possessing a bladed article.
Shannon Doocey, 31, of Mill Street, Market Rasen, was convicted of murder and possessing an offensive weapon in connection with the fatal attack.
Martin Doocey, 55, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, was convicted of manslaughter.
Additional verdicts were returned in connection with a separate violent incident that took place in Market Rasen during September 2025.
All three defendants are awaiting sentencing.
Earlier Violent Incident Linked to Court Proceedings
The jury also heard evidence about a confrontation in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, on 13 September 2025.
Several people involved in that incident were connected to the later fatal confrontation.
Those involved had been due to attend court proceedings relating to the September incident on the day Mr Fowler was killed.
As part of the trial, Shannon Doocey was convicted of affray and possessing an offensive weapon in connection with the earlier incident.
Martin Doocey was also convicted of possessing an offensive weapon relating to the September 2025 confrontation.
The earlier events formed part of the background considered by jurors.
Detective Says Danny Fowler’s Death Has Devastated Family
Detective Inspector Melissa Rooke, who led the murder investigation, described the lasting impact of the killing.
She said:
“Danny Fowler lost his life in an act of extreme violence carried out in Market Rasen in the middle of the afternoon.”
The senior detective said the consequences had been devastating for Mr Fowler’s family, witnesses and the wider community.
She explained that officers had relied on CCTV recordings, forensic evidence and witness testimony to establish what happened.
A number of people who saw the violence had been required to recall the traumatic events during the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
Detective Inspector Rooke thanked the public for helping detectives piece together the circumstances of the killing.
She also acknowledged the work of officers, investigators and partner agencies involved in the case.
Police Worked to Reassure Market Rasen Residents
Following the fatal attack, Lincolnshire Police worked with West Lindsey District Council and other organisations to provide reassurance to residents.
Inspector Michael Head led community engagement efforts, including public meetings where residents were able to discuss concerns about safety.
Police said information from members of the public, CCTV recordings and witness evidence had been vital to the investigation.
The death of Mr Fowler had a significant impact on Market Rasen, particularly because the violence occurred in a busy public street.
Sentencing Due in November
Townhill, Shannon Doocey and Martin Doocey are scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
The court will determine the sentences to be imposed following their convictions.
Murder carries a mandatory life sentence in England and Wales, with the sentencing judge responsible for determining the minimum term before a prisoner may be considered for release.
Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, although the sentence imposed depends on the circumstances of the offence.
For Mr Fowler’s family, the guilty verdicts mark an important stage in the criminal proceedings following his death.
UKNIP will provide a further update when the three defendants are sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court.
