Suspect in Fermanagh triple-murder dies in hospital, as family are laid to rest
The deaths of Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her children, James Rutledge, 14, and Sara Rutledge, 13, have left two communities in deep mourning as the investigation into the suspected triple murder-suicide continues.
The family was killed last Wednesday morning at a property on Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge.
Ian Rutledge, 43, an agricultural worker and the only suspect in the case, was found at the scene with a gunshot wound.
He was taken to hospital in critical condition and died on Monday evening. Police believe Rutledge, who was a member of the same household, fatally shot Vanessa and her children before turning the gun on himself.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed Rutledge was the sole suspect in the attack and is not seeking anyone else in connection with the killings.
Investigators have renewed their appeal for information, particularly about the movements of a silver Mercedes saloon car seen between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler on the evening of Tuesday, 22 July.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
A funeral mass for the family was held in Barefield on Saturday, following a service of removal in Maguiresbridge and repose at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in County Clare.
Mourners were asked to wear bright colours in tribute to the lives lost.
Vanessa was described as a devoted mother and a beloved daughter and sister.
James and Sara were remembered as dearly loved siblings and grandchildren.
Tributes have poured in from both counties.
A local Gaelic football club said Vanessa and her children were active and much-loved members of the community.
A cricket club the children had been involved with described them as 'talented young cricketers and absolutely lovely-natured children.'
In the days following the tragedy, flowers, messages, teddy bears, and a signed Arsenal football shirt were left near the family's home.
As the community mourns, donations in memory of Vanessa, James, and Sara are being directed to Women's Aid.
The PSNI continues to appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area on the evening before the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing.
See More: Co. Fermanagh, Crime, Gun Crime, Murder, PSNI
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Sunday World
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Irish Daily Mirror
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He sentenced Burns to 18 months in prison for being carried in a stolen vehicle and six months for the trespass offence but suspended both sentences fully on condition she places herself under the supervision of the Probation Service for a period of two years. Addressing Burns, the judge remarked: 'You got in with a bad lot and they have brought you down.' He also observed that she might not be in court if she had been in the stolen vehicle with Melia after he drove away. On her relationship with her co-accused, he advised: 'Maybe you could do better for yourself.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
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