Two found guilty of murdering man in Market Rasen
A third person has been convicted of manslaughter following a six-week trial
Two people have been found guilty of murder after a 37-year-old man was stabbed to death in Market Rasen town centre.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Danny Fowler, from Market Rasen, died after suffering multiple stab wounds during a fight in Union Street on 12th March 2026.
The verdicts were returned today (Friday 23rd October) following a six-week trial.
Who was convicted
Lincolnshire Police said 29-year-old Ryan Townhill, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article.
Shannon Doocey, 31, of Mill Street, Market Rasen, was found guilty of murder, affray, and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the killing.
Shannon Doocey was also found guilty of affray and possession of an offensive weapon relating to an earlier fight in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, in September 2025.
Martin Doocey, 55, of Waverley Court, Market Rasen, was found guilty of manslaughter.
Martin Doocey was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon relating to the Waterloo Street fight.
What the court heard
Emergency services were called to Union Street at 5.07pm after reports that a man had been found with suspected stab wounds.
Danny Fowler was pronounced dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination later confirmed he died from multiple stab wounds.
Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the attack, which happened on a busy afternoon in the town centre and lasted less than four minutes.
The court heard Townhill approached Danny Fowler's vehicle before a fight developed in Union Street.
Shannon Doocey was seen leaving a nearby shop and joining the confrontation.
Evidence showed Danny Fowler then returned towards Townhill and Shannon Doocey carrying a baseball bat, and he was also seen in possession of a knife.
As the confrontation escalated, Danny Fowler fell to the ground and was stabbed multiple times.
The court heard Martin Doocey became involved after Danny Fowler had fallen.
Shannon Doocey and Townhill then fled, while Martin Doocey remained in Union Street and was arrested by officers.
The earlier Waterloo Street fight
The trial also heard that several of those connected to the killing had been involved in a fight in Waterloo Street, Market Rasen, on 13th September 2025.
Police said multiple public order, violence and weapons offences were reported, and five people were arrested.
Four of them were subsequently charged or summonsed to court.
The court heard those involved were due to attend court proceedings relating to that matter on the day Danny Fowler died.
The investigation
Detectives from Lincolnshire Police's Major Crime Unit launched a large-scale murder investigation within minutes of the attack.
Officers carried out CCTV analysis, forensic examinations, digital investigations and witness interviews.
Eight scene guards were set up across Market Rasen to preserve evidence.
Clothing and weapons seized from addresses linked to those involved were later presented as evidence at the trial.
Police said officers worked with West Lindsey District Council and partner agencies to reassure and support people living in Market Rasen.
Inspector Michael Head led community engagement activity before and after the attack, including public meetings.
Police said members of the public came forward with information, CCTV footage and witness accounts throughout the investigation.
Police response
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."
Detective Inspector Rooke said: "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."
Detective Inspector Rooke said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Danny's family and loved ones."
Detective Inspector Rooke said: "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."
Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday 17th November 2026.