Northern Ireland Tragedy: Police Appeal for Information as Maguiresbridge Shooting Claims Third Life
Maguiresbridge, Co. Fermanagh – A devastating shooting incident in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, has claimed the lives of a mother and her two children, with a fourth individual remaining in serious condition. the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a murder inquiry and is urgently appealing for public assistance, particularly regarding the movements of a specific vehicle.
The victims have been identified as vanessa Whyte, 45, originally from County Clare, and her children, 14-year-old James Rutledge and 13-year-old Sara Rutledge. The PSNI confirmed that one line of inquiry being pursued is a triple murder with an attempted suicide.
Detectives from the major investigation team are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this horrific tragedy. As part of their ongoing enquiries, the PSNI issued a specific appeal on Saturday for information concerning a silver Mercedes saloon car.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness stated, “Our investigation is ongoing and we are working tirelessly to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy. I would continue to appeal generally for anyone with information to come forward and more specifically I would ask anyone who saw a silver Mercedes saloon car being driven in the Clones Road area of Newtownbutler, or between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler, on the evening of tuesday, July 22nd.”
The PSNI is also urging anyone who was travelling in the area and may have captured dashcam footage that could assist the investigation to come forward. Information can be provided by contacting detectives on 101, quoting reference 276 23/07/25.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss, with hundreds gathering on Friday for a vigil at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara were former pupils. The heartfelt service, organised by a local community group, saw mourners including locals, members of the sporting community, and political figures, including the North’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill. A two-minute silence was observed,and local clergy offered prayers and readings. A book of condolence has been opened at the school, adorned with a framed photograph of the family, white flowers, and candles.
Tributes have been laid at the scene of the incident on Drummeer Road, including flowers, teddy bears, and an Arsenal football top bearing written messages. Vanessa Whyte, a trained vet, was reportedly well-regarded in her native Clare and in Fermanagh.
The PSNI continues its investigation, appealing for any information that may shed light on this devastating event.
