Detectives hunting 'two or three people' over unsolved murder of 'defenceless' mum

Detectives are hunting "two or three people" they believe to be involved in the unsolved murder of a mum. Jacqueline Rutter, also known as Jackie, was shot in the chest in her own home in Moreton, Wirral, in the early hours of October 30, 2022.

The murder of the 53-year-old is being treated as a targeted attack and detectives believe two or three people were involved. In October of last year, Merseyside Police arrested eight people in connection with Jackie's death, but no one has ever been charged with her murder, the Liverpool ECHO reports.

Jackie's family have previously said they believe she may have been murdered over a dispute involving other relatives, which had nothing to do with her. Detectives have previously identified a black Vauxhall Insignia they believe was involved in this incident and was seen between 12.45am-1.15am that day.

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They believe the car was driven in Meadowbrook Road and was also seen on Birkenhead Road, Hoylake Road and Garden Hey Road between 12.45am to 1.15am that Sunday morning. The suspicious car was later found burnt out on Garden Hey Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath is leading the investigation into Jacqueline's murder. He said: "Two years on, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with Jacqueline's family and friends at this immensely difficult time. The determination of our whole team to put those responsible before the courts and see justice served remains as strong as ever, and the investigation is progressing.

"A number of people remain under active investigation but I still want to make it clear that we believe more information is out there to assist us. If you know anything, do not hesitate to get in touch. Don't assume what you know is trivial or already known. 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, whether you come to us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

"We believe at least two or three people were involved in this incident, and we will not stop until we find them. If you are close to any of the people who were responsible for this appalling incident, please search your conscience and come forward with what you know, so that Jacqueline's family can finally find peace and justice."

In a tribute last year, Jacqueline's daughter said: "This is a tribute in loving memory of my beloved mother of six children and grandmother to five beautiful grandchildren. Jackie (mum) was a very much-loved women, not just to her family, but to everyone she met.

"The tragic loss was a shock to everyone and there is a massive gap in our lives that will never be filled. Jackie is and always will be missed by all her loved ones. She will always be very special to everyone she knew. Rest in peace now my angel, always in our hearts and minds forever and always, your daughter."

Another of her children said: "We cannot understand how someone could do this to you, a defenceless grandmother. Nothing can justify murder. Its pains us to think of how frightened you were in your final moments and nobody should have to experience that. Our hearts will forever remain heavy as nobody can recover from a death of a murdered loved one."

Speaking about the Vauxhall Insignia, DCI McGrath continued: "We believe that the black Vauxhall Insignia was driven near the property on Meadowbrook Road and was also seen on Birkenhead Road, Hoylake Road and Garden Hey Road between 12.45am1.15am that Sunday morning.

"Anyone who lives in these roads and knows anything about this vehicle, please get in touch. The smallest detail could be the key to bringing those responsible to justice."

Please contact Merseyside Police via social media @MerPolCC or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000796038.