ONE of Concepta Leonard’s neighbours has spoken of the “disbelief and numbness” following the murder that has shocked the entire community.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said she last saw Ms. Leonard a number of days ago walking her dog between Nutfield Cross and Abbey Road near her home.
“She was out walking the dog, I would have seen her walking her dog a lot. I beeped at her and she put up her hand,” said the neighbour. 
“Driving near her house now is so eerie. You would never have foreseen anything like this in the area, it is unreal.”
The 51 year old was “totally devoted” to her disabled son Conor, explained the neighbour.
“Connie would have done anything for him. He is big into country and western music and is big into dances. She would have travelled north and south for him.
“All I can think about is poor wee Conor, how he is going to face the reality of life without Connie. He is coming home to disarray,” she said. 
Another family friend said: “To think that anyone would do that, to hear it so close to home is devastating.”
Ms. Leonard has been described as “an amazing mother.”
“Everywhere Concepta was Conor was and vice versa, she would have done anything for him. It breaks my heart to think what he must have witnessed,” said the local woman.
Former Fermanagh and South Tyrone SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips, who knows the Leonard family, said there was a feeling of “absolute shock” in the area.
“I cannot in any shape or form comprehend the tragic circumstances. I knew both of them, I know the Leonard family very well and went to school with quite a few of the Phair family.
“Connie as she was known was a nice girl, she was involved in the catering business in the town, she was a very outgoing girl, and involved in traditional Irish music,” he explained.
Local Irish music group Newtownbutler Comhaltas extended their sympathy saying it would remember Ms. Leonard with great fondness for her affection, dedication and energetic outlook shown in all areas of her life.
Sandra Isherwood, the principal of Jones Memorial Primary School where Ms. Leonard was employed as a school cook, expressed her “deepest sadness” on hearing of her death.
“Connie was a highly thought of and well respected unit catering supervisor at the school leading a wonderful team. Her immediate colleagues and the wider school meals family are supporting each other in coming to terms with what has happened, offering their deepest condolences and thoughts to the family at this very sad time,” she said.