A man has been jailed for life after brutally killing his brother with a hammer-type weapon at their mother’s home.
Daniel Lynch, 39, was convicted of murdering Shane Lynch, who sustained 11 separate head wounds in the property’s kitchen.
Shane’s body was discovered the following morning by their 22-year-old half-brother, prompting their mum to call 999.
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Lynch denied attacking Shane, claiming he knew nothing about the killing, which happened last November (2025) in Illogan, Cornwall, as reported by Need To Know.
At Truro Crown Court, jurors were shown CCTV footage of a figure leaving the property carrying a rucksack.
Lynch denied the figure was him but evidence presented at the trial painted a chilling picture.
Lynch had spent the day drinking and trying to obtain drugs, arguing with his partner and acting erratically.
He left the house but returned after missing his bus, still drinking, before Shane was attacked.
Cellular data suggested Shane’s phone was removed from the property shortly after the likely time of death, around 1:30am.
The half-brother found Lynch on the sofa around 3:45am, unaware Shane was lying dead in the kitchen next to a broken and bloodied knife.
Forensic evidence revealed blood on a hoodie worn by Lynch. It had been hidden in the kitchen.
Lynch’s jacket and polo shirt were found washed in the washing machine. His jeans have never been recovered.
A forensic post-mortem revealed Shane died as a result of head and facial injuries.
Pictures of his lifeless body were found on Lynch’s phone.
During the trial, the court heard how Lynch and Shane had an “up and down relationship” and that Lynch was upset with Shane during the days prior to the murder over a tablet he believed had been stolen.
However, this issue was considered resolved.
Judge Simon Carr sentenced Lynch to life, with a minimum of 20 years, less 283 days already served on remand, on Tuesday (26 August).
He described Lynch’s actions as “irrational, paranoid and angry” and said: “Armed with a weapon or weapons you launched a sustained, frenzied and brutal attack which included multiple blows to the head with force.”
Detective Inspector Rob Smith, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “There are only two men who truly know what happened in the property that night and one of them is sadly no longer with us.
“A huge amount of work has gone into this investigation to establish the circumstances that lead to Shane Lynch’s death.
“What is not in doubt is that Shane Lynch was brutally murdered by his own brother Daniel within their mother’s home.
“The exact reasons Daniel launched such a violent and brutal attack on his brother, we will likely never know.
“Daniel Lynch continued to deny he was responsible for the murder despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
“We welcome the verdict and sentence passed by the court.
“We hope all those involved in this case are able to move on with their lives.”
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