A prayer service is set to take place in County Clare for Vanessa Whyte, 45, and her two children, Sara Rutledge, 13, and James Rutledge, 14, who tragically lost their lives in a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh. The service will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield village at 19:00 BST on Sunday.
The shooting occurred at the family’s home in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday, leaving the community in shock. Two of the victims were declared dead at the scene, while the third died later in the hospital. A man, who is a member of the same household, is currently being treated for serious gunshot injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The community in Barefield is still reeling from the news, with parish priest Fr Tom Fitzpatrick describing the atmosphere as “devastated and broken.” Fr Fitzpatrick said, “A cloud had descended over the community in the past few days. We are a very close-knit community in Barefield, like all rural communities when something happens to an individual or to a family, the whole community gathers together.” He also praised Vanessa’s mother, Mary, as “a great parish woman, very involved in the community.”
Vanessa Whyte was remembered as an “enthusiastic, hard-working colleague” and a “devoted mum” to Sara and James. She was an experienced veterinary surgeon who worked with Stormont’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and previously spent eight years at Lakeland Vets in Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh. Her children attended Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and were members of local Gaelic Athletic Association teams and Enniskillen Cricket Club.
The school has been left “stunned and shocked” by the loss of the two young siblings, who were described as “full of life” and “lively and intelligent, funny young people” by Principal Elizabeth Armstrong. A book of condolences has been opened at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara previously attended, and a vigil was held in the school grounds.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating the incident, and while no arrests have been made, they are exploring the possibility of a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide. The PSNI has issued an appeal for information regarding the movements of a silver Mercedes between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler on the day before the shootings.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of Vanessa and her children, the PSNI urges anyone with information to contact them. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, and the people of County Fermanagh and County Clare are uniting in their grief and support for the affected family.