Man dies after triple murder of mother and teenage children in family home

A man has become the fourth person to die after a family were shot dead in their home in Northern Ireland.

Ian Rutledge, 43, died in hospital following a triple murder in Maguiresbridge last Wednesday morning.

Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, were found with fatal wounds.

Rutledge was rushed to hospital with gunshot injuries after police interrupted the shootings in the usually quiet, rural village.

Police rushed to the scene after a call was made from inside the house as gunfire rang out at just after 8am on Wednesday.

On Monday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Mr Rutledge had been in hospital in a serious condition, and died that evening.

‘Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward,’ the police spokesperson said.

The three victims were all ‘beloved and active’ members of the local Gaelic football and hurling clubs, according to tributes flooding in.

Vanessa, aged in her 40s, worked as a vet and had moved to Fermanagh from her original home in County Clare.

Chief veterinary officer at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Brian Dooher said: ‘Vanessa was a highly respected colleague, a devoted mother and an active member of her local community.

‘Many of us had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally and she was hugely admired by all those who came across her.’

He added: ‘The loss we feel today is immense and it has profoundly affected us. The next few days, weeks and months will be difficult for all who knew her – especially her family.

‘We are thinking of her family, friends and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.’