HORSHAM, Pa. — A Pennsylvania mother has been found guilty of murder after she strangled her 11-year-old son in order to prevent him from enduring financial hardships. Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead was charged with the murder of her son, Matthew Whitehead, whose lifeless body was discovered in their Horsham home in April 2023, according to a statement from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Multiple news outlets reported on Thursday that a judge rejected an insanity defense presented by DiRienzo-Whitehead’s attorneys and instead convicted her of first-degree murder. She was subsequently sentenced to life in prison on Friday, as per 6 ABC.
Following her arrest, DiRienzo-Whitehead reportedly confessed to the police that the family had been grappling with financial difficulties. She admitted to strangling her sleeping son with a belt, expressing her desire to spare him from growing up in such challenging circumstances, authorities said, citing her statements.
Matthew’s father called 911 when he discovered the master bedroom door locked and their Toyota Highlander missing. Upon arrival, the police found Matthew’s body in the bedroom, where he had fallen asleep alongside his mother, said the district attorney’s office.
Authorities noted that the boy had ligature marks on both the front and rear of his neck, and his face was swollen with petechiae in his eyes, indicating possible strangulation.
Additionally, the missing SUV was recovered in Cape May, New Jersey, where DiRienzo-Whitehead had driven it into the ocean. Law enforcement discovered a belt on the driver’s side floor of the abandoned vehicle. DiRienzo-Whitehead was located approximately six miles north of the scene, walking alone, according to authorities.
Eugene Tinari, DiRienzo-Whitehead’s attorney, expressed disappointment with the verdict, highlighting his belief that her actions were a result of psychosis and mental illness. Tinari stated, “I believe it was strictly as a result of her being in psychosis and mental illness based on the reasons I said. The love of her child, her character,” as reported by The Inquirer.
Before his tragic demise, Matthew was a sixth-grader at Germantown Academy. In a statement reported by The Inquirer, the school described Matthew as an extraordinary child with a radiant smile, expressing their profound grief over his loss.