Posted by Updated / Thursday, 24 Jul 2025 12:39
Northern Correspondent
Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her two children, 14-year-old James Rutledge and 13-year-old Sara Rutledge, have been named as the three people who died in a shooting incident in Co Fermanagh yesterday.
They were shot in their home in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh.
A man remains in a serious condition in hospital.
One line of inquiry being investigated by police is that what happened was a triple murder and attempted suicide.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “Today, our thoughts remain with those loved ones whose worlds have been torn apart.
“Our investigation is continuing and I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who had spoken to Vanessa, Sara or James over the last few weeks. If you are someone that Vanessa, Sara or James may have confided in, please come and speak to us.
“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem could prove crucial to our investigation,” he said.
Yesterday, Superintendent Robert McGowan confirmed that all four people were from the same household and suffered gunshot wounds.
Ms Whyte and one of the children were pronounced dead at the scene on Drummeer Road.
The second child died later in hospital.
Police said they received a 999 call from someone inside the house appealing for help shortly before 8am yesterday morning.
Officers were despatched immediately from Enniskillen station around 13km away.
When they arrived at the property, they found four people inside with gunshot wounds.
St Mary’s Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club and St Patrick’s Hurling Club, based in the village of Lisbellaw, close to Maguiresbridge, said Vanessa Whyte, James and Sara were active members of both clubs.
‘Devastated beyond belief’
The parish priest for Doora-Barefield, in Co Clare, where Ms Whyte is originally from, said the local community there is “devastated beyond belief”.
Fr Tom Fitzpatrick said: “We are at a loss in terms of trying to comprehend this.”
He said he had been speaking to a number of people in the parish where the family is well known.
Ms Whyte’s mother and one of her brothers still live in the area, while another sibling is understood to be travelling home from Australia following the tragedy.
Fr Fitzpatrick said Doora-Barefield was a “fantastic and closely knit community. What we can’t say with words, we will certainly say with our hands and hearts and in showing our strength over the next few days.”
He said Ms Whyte, a veterinary surgeon, had established herself in Fermanagh, where she had helped develop hurling and other sports.
He described her mother as “a pillar of the local community and church”.
Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard said she had known Ms Whyte’s parents for many years. Her father passed away some years ago.
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