A Pennsylvania woman Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead allegedly strangled her 11-year-old son, Matthew Whitehead, to death with a belt.

The 51-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder.

The mother who allegedly killed her own child said that she killed her son because she didn’t want her son to experience the family’s financial struggles as he grew up.

Matthew Whitehead’s father reported the incident to the police on Tuesday morning after he found his son lifeless.

Who was Matthew Whitehead? Explore the detail about the incident below.

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Who Was Ruth DiRienzo Whitehead Son Matthew Whitehead?

Matthew Whitehead’s mother, Ruth DiRienzo Whitehead, allegedly killed him by strangling him with a belt. The little boy was found dead on Tuesday morning (11 April 2023).

His mother confessed to the investigators that she strangled her 11-year-old child as she didn’t want him to grow up with financial struggles.

Mrs. Whitehead added her son cried all day over the family’s financial issues. Matthew’s father found him dead in the master bedroom where he’d stayed with his mother the night before.

The shocked dad immediately informed the authorities. According to the prosecution, the father discovered the bedroom locked and his wife and their SUV missing.

It is unclear where Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead’s husband slept before making the terrible discovery.

Prosecutors further revealed that, after killing her kid, DiRienzo-Whitehead allegedly fled the house and traveled 120 miles to Cape May, New Jersey, where she reportedly crashed her SUV into the water.

The belt used to kill Matthew Whitehead was later discovered in the same vehicle. One of the police officers found the alleged criminal walking down the street. She was reportedly wearing tattered pajamas and appeared messy and confused.

According to an affidavit, Ruth DiRienzo Whitehead said, “I know what I did.”

It’s unclear whether DiRienzo-Whitehead has a lawyer who can represent her. One wasn’t listed in the court records.

Ruth DiRienzo Whitehead Has Been Charged With First-Degree Murder

Ruth DiRienzo Whitehead has been charged with first and third-degree murder. She has also been charged with possessing a weapon used in a crime.

Her charges came after the autopsy revealed that the young boy, Matthew Whitehead, died after being strangled.

The alleged murderer is currently being detained in Cape May. Prosecutors said she would be returned to Montgomery County for arraignment.

The name of the young victim’s dad is yet to be made public.

Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele expressed his gratitude to Cape May Police, Wildwood Crest Police, and Cape May Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland’s Office for their assistance in finding the mother who killed her kid and with additional aspects of this investigation.

Their prompt response and assistance with the inquiry will be crucial in making the defendant answerable for the horrible killing of this youngster.

Knowing that the world has lost an unpolished jewel is terrible. The last thing we can give the victim is justice. Hopefully, it will be done soon in the coming days.

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