A fourth person has died following a shooting in County Fermanagh on Wednesday, bringing the total number of fatalities from the tragic incident to four. Ian Rutledge, 43, died in hospital on Monday evening after being in a serious condition since the shooting occurred.
The agricultural contractor had been receiving treatment following the incident in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning. Police confirmed his death on Monday night, marking another devastating loss from the single shooting incident.
Family of four killed
Vanessa Whyte, 45, a veterinarian originally from County Clare, died alongside her two children James, 14, and Sara, 13, in the same incident at a property on Drummeer Road. Two people died at the scene, while a third died in hospital hours later.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed last week that all four were members of the same household and all suffered gunshot wounds. Officers said a triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry being pursued.
Community mourns victims
A prayer service took place for Ms Whyte in Barefield, County Clare on Sunday, following a community vigil held in Maguiresbridge last Friday. A funeral service is expected to take place in County Clare later this week.
The tragic incident has shocked both local communities, with residents coming together to support those affected by the devastating loss of life. A murder investigation was launched last week as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Police appeal for witnesses
On Saturday, the PSNI issued an appeal for information involving the movements of a vehicle connected to their investigation. They have asked 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 22nd July to contact detectives.
"Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward," a police spokesperson said. The murder investigation remains ongoing as officers continue their inquiries into the circumstances of the shooting.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
