Killer neighbour: The murder of Shane Gilmer
Last Night OutNot all neighbours are good. That’s the sad truth; sometimes, they can be downright murderous. This was true for Shane Gilmer and his pregnant partner, Laura Sugden.
In January 2018, a quiet evening in Southburn, East Yorkshire, became a nightmare. Shane and Laura, who were five months pregnant at the time, returned home after a night out to find their neighbour, Anthony Lawrence, waiting in their loft.
Lawrence had broken in by dismantling bricks from their shared attic wall and had quietly hidden until they returned. Then, a brutal crossbow attack began…
The shocking story is featured in a brand new Crime+Investigation series, Last Night Out. Join us as we delve into the murder of Shane Gilmer and the attack on his partner, mum-of-two Laura, and the motive behind the attack.
Who was Anthony Lawrence?
Shane and Laura lived next to 55-year-old Anthony Lawrence. But while they were next-door neighbours, they weren’t exactly on friendly terms.
The two parties were described as having ‘various disputes’ between them in the lead-up to the attack. Indeed, on one occasion, Lawrence had threatened Shane with an axe after the latter had complained about loud music.
Things would escalate further after Shane and Laura made a complaint to their letting agency about Lawrence’s cannabis use. They claimed that the fumes had been affecting Laura and her daughter’s asthma.
Soon afterwards, Lawrence was served with an eviction notice. Even though there was no connection between their complaint and his eviction, Lawrence believed the couple to be responsible for being made homeless. He dumped horse manure on their lawn as the bad blood continued.
Tragically, that wouldn’t be the end of the story. Feeling resentful and cornered, Lawrence planned a chilling act of revenge. He waited in their loft and ambushed the returning couple.
In court documents and inquests, Lawrence admitted he 'would kill them both' over being evicted, having held a crossbow illegally without any licence.
What happened next?
Shane was struck twice – first in the arm and rib, then in the torso – and the bolt pierced his spine, liver, and kidney. Despite his injuries, he managed to call 999. Laura was shot in the head and neck but fought to escape. She fled to a neighbour’s house, bleeding and terrified.
Sadly, by the time help arrived, Shane had suffered a cardiac arrest and he later died at Hull Royal Infirmary.
His texts with the operator were heartbreaking, urging them to 'hurry up'. He said, 'I love my children' and 'I love her', right before he collapsed.
Anthony Lawrence didn't stand trial – he died by suicide two days later in a camper van in North Yorkshire.
An inquest in April 2021 ruled Shane’s death unlawful. The coroner condemned the uncontrolled availability of crossbows, labelling them 'lethal, medieval weapons.'
Laura Sugden’s campaign
In the wake of tragedy, Laura found strength and purpose. She began campaigning for crossbow regulation, calling for a licensing system similar to that for shotguns and firearms.
She highlighted that any adult could buy a crossbow online without checks.
Laura launched a campaign petition that garnered over 42,000 signatures. The Home Secretary’s Office opened a 'call for evidence' in early 2024, while ministers acknowledged crossbows are 'highly dangerous'.
Laura said: 'There are no laws in place to prevent weapons falling into the hands of twisted and dangerous individuals like Anthony Lawrence.' She’s been working with MPs and officials to align crossbow regulations with modern weapon control measures.
Why this case matters
This tragic event lays bare how a household item – one typically associated with sport – can become a weapon of irreversible harm. It raises crucial questions: Should anyone over 18 be able to buy a high-powered crossbow online? How do we balance the needs of genuine sport archers with public safety?
The Gilmer-Sugden case shocked the country and spurred a re-examination of crossbow laws. The Home Office’s 2024 review shows change may finally be on the horizon. After all, it took this heartbreaking loss to highlight a glaring legal gap.
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