GUILTY PA - Matthew Whitehead, 11, found deceased in mom’s bedroom, her SUV found in NJ ocean, Horsham Twp, 11 Apr 2023 *arrest*

[ifindedout]

How on earth can a mother do this to their child. That baby trusted her with his very life, and she took it from him in such a horrific violent way. How can she possibly live with herself?

IDK. But I think it was ironic that Ruth got cut off mid-sentence while trying to say more. Requoting the KYW 1060 story from my previous post here:

As she was led from the courtroom, DiRienzo-Whitehead said, “I am heartbroken and —’’

DiRienzo-Whitehead appeared to want to say more before she was led into the elevator.

Whether she's truly sorry, or sorry but not sorry, it was fitting that she wasn't allowed to finish what she was saying, because she cut off Matthew's life in the same manner, just as suddenly. In a way, it's karma for her.
Rest in peace, Matthew.

All MOO

 

[Observant-ADHD-ENFP-BSc]

Mom sobs as she is jailed for life after strangling her son to death

Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead, left and inset, was found guilty of first degree murder earlier this week for the killing of her son Matthew Whitehead, right, in their Pennsylvania home last April.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[ChatteringBirds]

So her first words after being sentenced weren't an apology or something about her son but that she was heartbroken?
Can anyone link her full statement -- how did she ask for forgiveness?

I would like to understand the full psychology behind what she did, but I doubt we will get to hear more from her.

 

[ifindedout]

So her first words after being sentenced weren't an apology or something about her son but that she was heartbroken?
Can anyone link her full statement -- how did she ask for forgiveness?

SBM
The best I can come up with ATM:

 

[ifindedout]

Two-part podcast on the case from KYW Newsradio 1060/103.9. Part 1 is 52:31, Part 2 is 50:18 (both times include advertisements).

Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead: the Mother, the Monster - Part 1 - KYW Newsradio Audio On-Demand

She was described as a loving, doting mother. From the outside, Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead checked all the right boxes - the suburban mom who would go above and beyond for her only child, including sending him to an elite, pricey private school. From within, the pressure was mounting. Money...

omny.fm

Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead: the Mother, the Monster - Part 2 - KYW Newsradio Audio On-Demand

No one wants to believe a mother could actually kill her own son; holding a belt tight around his neck and squeezing until he took his last breath. No, an act this disturbing would defy comprehension, go against every innate parental instinct to protect, care for, and love your child. According...

omny.fm

 

[imstilla.grandma]

DiRienzo-Whitehead also had her say at the sentencing, saying "only a monster would do something like this."

She repeatedly apologized and begged her family for forgiveness.

One of her final statements was that her son deserved better.

"The defendant spoke a lot about how apologetic she was today and how much grief she felt today. The words she spoke in the courtroom, don't reflect her behavior," said lead prosecutor Lauren Marvel.

Her defense attorney, Eugene Tinari, argued DiRienzo-Whitehead was having a psychotic break when she killed her son and says he will appeal for a shorter sentence.

"I still feel, and will always feel, that this was solely a result of a psychosis, solely as a result of someone not attached to reality," Tinari said.

Horsham mom sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty in strangulation death of son

She confessed and told police she did not want her son to grow up with the family's financial problems.

6abc.com

“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,” Tinari said, according to the outlet

Mom Used Belt to Strangle Son, 11, Claiming She Didn't Want Him to Face Financial Struggles

Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead drove her car into the ocean after strangling her 11-year-old son, Matthew Whitehead.

people.com