Callum Howe guilty of the manslaughter of Shaan Rasul, Hartlepool

Pic: Callum Howe was found guilty of manslaughter after killing Shaan Rasul in Hartlepool. 

A man who killed his childhood friend with an axe in Hartlepool, has been found guilty of manslaughter by a jury today (Wednesday 10th June) following a three-week trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Callum Howe, 23, from Hartlepool, who killed Shaan Rasul by hitting him in the face twelve times with a hatchet, will be sentenced next month.

Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul, 22, who was known to friends and family as Shaan, was found by emergency services inside of Howe’s flat on Allerton Close on the morning of Sunday 23 November, after neighbours had reported a disturbance at the address.

The court heard how Shaan had stayed at Howe’s flat on Allerton Close overnight, on Saturday 22 November, along with another friend. The following morning, Howe was found stumbling around in the street after jumping from the window of the upstairs flat.

When police and paramedics arrived, Shaan was found with serious injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Howe was arrested and later charged with murder.

Throughout the trial, Howe denied murder, claiming he had acted in self-defence.

Detective Superintendent Chris Motson, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Shaan’s family and loved ones, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss throughout this investigation and subsequent trial.

“This was a tragic and senseless incident which resulted in a young man losing his life. I would like to commend Shaan’s family and friends for the dignity and strength that they have shown throughout what has been an extremely difficult period.

“I would also like to thank the officers, staff and partner agencies involved in the investigation along with members of the public who came forward with information that assisted our enquiries.

“Today’s verdict cannot undo the devastating impact of Shaan’s death on his family and friends, and it remains an extremely difficult and painful time for them.”

Pic: Shaan Rasul died aged 22 on Sunday 23 November 2025.