Two people found guilty of murdering Danny Fowler

Two people found guilty of murdering Danny Fowler

A man has been found guilty today (Friday 23 October) of the murder of Danny Fowler following a six-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Ryan Townhill, 29, of no fixed address, has been found guilty of the murder of Danny Fowler following his death in Market Rasen in March 2026. He was also found guilty of possession of a bladed article.

Two others, Shannon Doocey, 31, of Mill Street, Market Rasen, and Martin Doocey, 55, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, were also convicted following the trial.

Shannon Doocey was found guilty of murder, possession of an offensive weapon in connection with Danny Fowler's murder, affray, and possession of an offensive weapon relating to an earlier incident in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, in September 2025.

Martin Doocey was found guilty of manslaughter, and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the September 2025 Waterloo Street incident.

The jury at Lincoln Crown Court heard how Danny, 37, from Market Rasen, died after suffering multiple stab wounds during an altercation in Union Street on 12 March 2026.

The court heard that emergency services were called at 5.07pm after reports that a man had been found in Union Street with suspected stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Danny was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination later confirmed he died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

During the trial, jurors were shown CCTV footage capturing the incident, which took place in broad daylight in the centre of Market Rasen. The attack happened on a busy afternoon in a prominent town centre location and lasted less than 4 minutes.

The violence unfolded in full view of members of the public. The shocking nature of the incident had a significant impact on the local community, many of whom either witnessed events directly or became aware of them immediately afterwards.

The court heard that Ryan Townhill approached Danny Fowler's vehicle before an altercation developed in Union Street.

Shannon Doocey was then seen leaving a nearby shop and joined the confrontation.

Evidence presented during the trial showed Danny Fowler subsequently returned towards Townhill and Shannon Doocey carrying a baseball bat. During the confrontation, he was also seen in possession of a knife.

As the incident escalated, Danny fell to the ground and was stabbed multiple times, sustaining fatal injuries. CCTV footage, forensic evidence and witness accounts formed a key part of the prosecution case and demonstrated the level of violence used during the attack.

The court heard that Martin Doocey later became involved in the altercation after Danny had fallen to the floor. Following the incident, Shannon Doocey and Townhill fled the scene while Martin Doocey remained in Union Street, where he was subsequently arrested by officers.

A large-scale murder investigation was launched by detectives from Lincolnshire Police's Major Crime Unit within minutes of the attack.

Officers carried out extensive enquiries, including detailed CCTV analysis, forensic examinations, digital investigations and witness interviews. Eight separate scene guards were established across Market Rasen, including at Union Street and other locations linked to the investigation, to preserve vital evidence.

During searches connected to the enquiry, officers recovered items that were later presented as evidence during the trial, including clothing and weapons seized from addresses associated with those involved.

The trial also heard that several of those connected to the incident had previously been involved in an altercation in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, on 13 September 2025, during which multiple public order, violence and weapons offences were reported. Five people were arrested as part of that investigation, with four subsequently charged or summonsed to court. Those involved were due to attend court proceedings relating to that matter on the day Danny was murdered.

As part of the proceedings, Shannon Doocey was also found guilty of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the September 2025 incident. Martin Doocey was likewise found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon relating to the same incident.

The murder and the circumstances surrounding it understandably caused concern within the Market Rasen community.

In the weeks and months following Danny's death, officers worked closely with West Lindsey District Council and partner agencies to provide reassurance and support to local residents..

Inspector Michael Head led community engagement activity both before and after the incident, including public meetings where residents were given the opportunity to raise concerns, receive updates where appropriate, and provide information that could assist the investigation.

Throughout the enquiries, the public continued to play an important role in helping officers establish the full circumstances surrounding Danny's death, with members of the community coming forward with information, CCTV footage and witness accounts.

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."

Sentencing is currently scheduled for Tuesday 17 October 2026.