Family's message to killers who shot grandmother

Jacqueline Rutter, 53, wearing a pink top and brown framed glasses, smiles at the camera Image source, Handout
Image caption,

Jacqueline Rutter was shot in the chest at the door of her home in Wirral

  • Published

The family of a grandmother who was shot dead in her home have sent a message to her killers two years on from her unsolved murder.

Jacqueline Rutter, 53, was killed after answering the door of her home in Moreton, Wirral, on Sunday 30 October 2022.

Merseyside Police have since arrested eight people in connection but as yet no-one has been charged.

In a statement issued via the force, her family urged the culprits to consider: "How would you feel if this was your mum, sister or relative?"

Detectives said they believed two or three people were involved in the "targeted" shooting on Meadowbrook Road at about 01:00 GMT.

A black Vauxhall Insignia which was seen in the area between 00:45 and 01:15 GMT is believed to have been involved.

Image caption,

Police believe two or three people were involved in the shooting on Meadowbrook Road

Ms Rutter's relatives continued: "Our second Christmas without you and it still doesn't feel real that this is your reality - murdered at the hands of someone else in the most cruel way.

"Every day we sit here and wonder why your killers had to make it so final for you and cause a lifetime of suffering on your family and friends."

Addressing those responsible, they said "you chose" to shoot the "terrified" Ms Rutter, who they said ran to her step-father, who she lived with, before collapsing and dying in his arms.

Det Ch Insp Steve McGrath, who is leading the inquiry, said several people "remain under active investigation" but urged anyone with information to come forward.

"Don't assume what you know is trivial or already known," he said.

"We will make that assessment, and I can assure people who may feel fearful of coming forward that we will deal with all information sensitively."

Det Ch Insp McGrath appealed to anyone close to the killers to "please search your conscience and come forward with what you know, so that Jacqueline's family can finally find peace and justice".

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