Murder suspect dies after mum and two kids gunned down in family massacre

A man suspected of murdering his family in a horrific massacre before he tried to take his own life has died, police have said.

Vanessa Whyte and her two children, James and Sara, were killed following a shooting in "quiet and rural" village Maguiresbridge, in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on July 23. Authorities rushed to the scene, where they found Ian Rutledge, 43, with serious injuries.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Superintendent Robert McGowan said police were treating the tragedy as a possible triple murder and attempted suicide. But in a new update this evening, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Rutledge, who was an agricultural contractor, has also died.

READ MORE: Northern Ireland shooting mum and children named after all three die

The police said he was taken to hospital on July 23, where he remained in a serious condition until his death this evening. Detectives have reiterated their call for anyone with information to get in touch.

The force said in a statement: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge. Police have named the deceased as Ian Rutledge, who was 43 years old.

"Mr 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."

The children and their mother, a volunteer sports coach who worked as veterinary surgeon, were "active and beloved" members of a Gaelic football club, and Lisbellaw St. Patrick's Hurling Club. A spokesperson for the club said on Wednesday: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all those impacted by the tragic incident this morning in Maguiresbridge. We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols.

"We will also work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it. Details of this will be shared in due course. All three were active and beloved members of our club and will be desperately missed."

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said adter the tragedy: "The news from Maguiresbridge is tragic and deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the victims, their relatives and the local community in Fermanagh. I would urge the public not to speculate and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation."

UUP politician Diana Armstrong said the local community had been left in shock following the tragedy. She added: "Heartbreaking and distressing news from Maguiresbridge this morning. The loss of life and the serious injuries reported have shocked the local community.

"My office has been in contact with the PSNI this morning and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The Emergency services acted swiftly and professionally. My thoughts are with the families of those affected and with everyone in this rural local community as they come to terms with this tragedy. I ask that the public allow space for the investigation to proceed and respect the privacy of those involved at this difficult time."

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, quoting reference number 276 of 23/07/25. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org