Fermanagh shooting suspect (42) dies in hospital
The only suspect in the murder investigation into the fatal shootings of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has died.
Ian Rutledge (42) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds.
He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13).
Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning.
James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day.
Ian Rutledge
Mr Rutledge had been critical care since the shooting.
A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.'
The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.'
Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness.
It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier.
It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara.
Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am.
However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert.
Attempts to return the call went unanswered.
Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am.
Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'.
A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening.
On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members.
A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm.
Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School.
Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams.
Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.'
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