DAERA pays tribute to colleague Vanessa Whyte as police continue murder probe

Murdered: Vanessa Whyte (centre) with Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge.

Tributes have been paid to a respected veterinary officer and devoted mother who was killed alongside her two children in the tragic shooting in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), who have launched a murder investigation into the incident, have formally named the deceased as Vanessa Whyte (45) and her children James Rutledge (14) and Sara Rutledge (13).

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), where Vanessa worked, issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the profound loss of a highly valued colleague.

DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey said:

“It is with deep regret that DAERA has learned about the death of our colleague, Vanessa Whyte. We are deeply saddened by the passing of her and her children in these tragic circumstances.

“Vanessa was a valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession. She will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her.

“On behalf of the Department, we offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those in the community impacted by her and her children’s deaths. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days and months ahead as they and we come to terms with the loss.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher added:

“Vanessa was a highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group, 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. 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.”

Ongoing police investigation

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness is leading the murder investigation and has renewed the appeal for information:

“Today, our thoughts remain with those loved ones whose worlds have been torn apart.

“Our investigation is continuing and I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who had spoken to Vanessa, Sara or James over the last few weeks. If you are someone that Vanessa, Sara or James may have confided in, please come and speak to us.

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to our investigation.”

Police can be contacted via 101, quoting reference 276 of 23/07/25, or online through the PSNI reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.