Mum and children killed in Maguiresbridge shooting tragedy named locally
The PSNI has launched an investigation into a suspected triple homicide and attempted suicide as one line of enquiry, following the fatal shooting incident early on Wednesday morning that killed the three family members.
According to authorities, four individuals from the same household suffered gunshot wounds at a residence on Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where two people were found dead. A third victim, who was airlifted to South West Acute Hospital, later died from their injuries.
A man was also critically injured and is currently being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Although the inquiry is still in its preliminary phase, Superintendent Robert McGowan, the local district commander, stated that detectives are treating the case as a possible triple murder and attempted suicide.
Investigators are also examining whether mental health played a role in the tragedy.
Ms Whyte and her children were 'active and beloved' members of both St Mary's Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club and Lisbellaw St. Patrick's Hurling Club in the area.
Both organisations said they are 'working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association's critical incident protocols'.
Ms Whyte also volunteered as the Coaching Officer at the hurling club, and helped with its underage training sessions. She was previously praised for her dedication to the club's development.
During a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent McGowan said the surviving individual is a male adult and has a "limited footprint" with police.
The officer added there is a "limited domestic history' involving those in the household as he said police believe the alarm was raised from inside the house.
He said: 'The alarm was raised I believe by a phone call made from the house.'
The PSNI said it is 'not anticipated at this stage that any further arrests will be made'.
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and the Air Ambulance, responded to the incident after receiving an urgent call. The PSNI later described the scene as "harrowing."
According to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), a 999 call was received at 8:21 a.m. In response, three emergency ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers, and an ambulance doctor were sent to the location.
Superintendent McGowan continued: 'Our enquiries are at an early stage, and I would appeal for patience as we work to understand the events that have taken place. We will continue to bring updates as our investigation continues."
On Thursday morning Sinn Fein MP for the area Pat Cullen told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: 'There's just a feeling of disbelief in the community and certainly amongst ourselves. To say we're absolutely heartbroken is really an understatement, I don't think any of us can find words.
'Two wee children have lost their lives, and a mummy, when they should just be enjoying the school holidays and having a wonderful time. You can see from the tributes that they belonged to the local Lisbellaw hurling club and St Mary's Gaelic club and they were really a part of the community, the fabric of the community.
'The people here are almost silent, we were in the community yesterday, and you could almost see mothers holding tightly to their young children as they stood.
'The one thing that I will say about Maguiresbridge and the people in it: the churches, the Gaelic clubs ; and wider community will definitely wrap their arms around each other and get through this.'
Two people dead and two in hospital following shooting in NI village
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was 'heartbroken' following the news.
"My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the local community,' she wrote online.
"I have no doubt that the people of Maguiresbridge will come together and support one another though this incredibly difficult time.'
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the incident as 'terrible news'.
"Truly devastating to hear of this terrible and violent event,' she wrote.
'My thoughts at this dreadful time are with the loved ones, family and friends but most of all for the tragedy of the lives cut off so cruelly."
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said his thoughts are with the victims, families of the deceased and the local community following the 'deeply distressing' tragedy.
'I would urge the public not to speculate and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation,' he added.
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