Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead, 51, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering her 11-year-old son Matthew by strangling him with a belt while sleeping. Born on , 1973, Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead hails from Horsham, United States. As in 2025, Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead's age is 52 years. Check below for more deets about Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead. Learn more about Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead facts, biography, age, birthday, trivia and more.
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead Profile:
| Stage Name | Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead |
| Real Name | Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead |
| Profession(s) | Murderer, |
| Birthday | , 1973 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Age | 52 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthplace | Horsham, United States |
| Hometown | Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead Family | |
| Father: | Not Available |
| Mother: | Not Available |
| Brother(s): | Not Available |
| Sister(s): | Not Available |
Family and Personal Life
- Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead‘ father’s name is Not Available and Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead‘ mother’s name is Not Available.
- Marriage: Ruth, who was married to Daniel Whitehead, had a son named Matthew Whitehead. She admitted to the tragic act of ending her son’s life, revealing that financial struggles and the wish to shield him from a difficult existence motivated her actions.
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead Trivia
- Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead was born in Horsham, United States.
- Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead’s birth sign is Capricorn.
- Life Sentence for Maternal Murder: Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead, aged 51, received a life sentence after being found guilty of murdering her 11-year-old son Matthew by strangling him with a belt while he slept.
- Discovery of the Tragedy: Matthew’s father, Daniel Whitehead, alerted police to the family’s home in Horsham, PA, after discovering the young boy’s body last April.
- Desperation at the Jersey Shore: Following the heinous act, DiRienzo and Whitehead drove their SUV onto a beach at the Jersey Shore, leaving it partially submerged in the water.
- An Overview of Evidence: Inside the vehicle, officers discovered a black men’s dress belt, which they believe was the murder weapon.
- Confession and Motive: DiRienzo-Whitehead confessed to the crime, citing financial difficulties as the motivation, expressing her anguish at not wanting her son to face their family’s financial difficulties.
- A Heartbreaking Testimony: Matthew’s father testified tearfully in court, describing the devastating moment when he discovered his son’s lifeless body and expressing profound grief over the loss of his cheerful and beloved child.
- Legal proceedings: During the trial, Daniel Whitehead addressed his wife as “the defendant,” emphasizing the emotional tension in the courtroom.
- Psychotic Break Defense: Defense attorneys claimed that DiRienzo-Whitehead was having a psychotic break as a result of financial stress and family issues, pleading for an understanding of her mental state.
- Prosecution’s Counterargument: Prosecutors responded by presenting evidence of premeditation, such as online searches for strangulation and revenge motivations.
- Family Burdens: DiRienzo-Whitehead, who also cared for her mother with dementia, was extremely stressed about the sale of their family home, which exacerbated her mental anguish.
- Refusal of Mental Illness Defense: Despite the defendants’ claims, the judge rejected mental illness as a defense, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the crime.
- Expression of Remorse: DiRienzo-Whitehead broke her silence during the sentencing hearing, expressing regret for jeopardizing her son’s future and seeking forgiveness, recognizing the gravity of her actions.
- Heartfelt Testimony: Daniel Whitehead described Matthew as a precious gift and expressed his heartfelt grief over his death.
- Community Mourning: Matthew’s school, Germantown Academy, mourned his death, describing him as an exceptional child with a radiant smile and promising to honor his memory.
- Pledge to Appeal: Defense attorney Eugene Tinari has promised to appeal the conviction, continuing the legal battle in the aftermath of the tragic case.
- Impact on the Community: The entire community felt profound sadness and loss, reflecting on the tragedy and its long-lasting consequences.
- Legacy of Love: Despite the darkness of the event, Matthew’s memory shines bright, leaving behind a legacy of love and goodness that will never be forgotten.
- Support for Healing: Amidst the grief, there is a collective effort to support healing and commemorate Matthew’s life, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
- Closure and Justice: While the legal process provides some closure and accountability, the emotional wounds inflicted by the tragedy remain deeply felt.
- Never-Ending Grief: The sorrow of Matthew’s untimely death will forever linger, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
FAQs
Who is Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead?
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead is a woman who was convicted of murdering her 11-year-old son, Matthew, in a tragic incident that shocked the community.
What is Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead’s age?
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead is 51 years old as of 2024.
Where is Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead from?
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead is from Horsham, Pennsylvania.
Who is Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead’s husband?
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead’s husband is Daniel Whitehead.
Why did Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead kill her son?
Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead confessed to killing her son due to financial difficulties and the desire to spare him from a life of hardship, citing the family’s financial problems as the reason behind her tragic actions.