Mum and children killed in Fermanagh shooting to be laid to rest together
The mother and her two children who were killed in a horror shooting in Co Fermanagh last week are to be buried together.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, died following the incident at Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning.
43-year-old Ian Rutledge, suspected of shooting his wife and children before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide, died in the hospital on Monday.
Vanessa Whyte with her two children Sara and James. Pic: Facebook
The agricultural contractor had been in the hospital in a critical condition for several days. It’s understood he was the only suspect in the shooting of his family.
Meanwhile, those attending the funeral of Ms Whyte and her children in her native town of Barefield on Saturday have been asked to wear bright colours.
Funeral arrangements for Ms Whyte and her two children were announced in a social media post.
Vanessa Whyte with her two children James and Sara. Pic: Facebook
The post from the funeral directors said: ‘Vanessa was a devoted mother, a loving and beloved daughter and sister and a loving and beloved daughter-in-law and sister-in-law.’
It said James was a ‘much-loved son, brother, and grandson’ and Sara ‘was a dearly loved daughter, sister, and granddaughter’.
A service of removal will take place in St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning.
Vanessa Whyte (centre) with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge. Pic: PSNI/PA Wire
The funeral Mass will be held in Barefield on Saturday before the three are buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.
People are asked to make donations to Women’s Aid.
A prayer service took place for the victims in Barefield on Sunday, following a community vigil in Maguiresbridge last Friday.
