Horsham 'Hurting' Over Mom Murder Case

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Horsham Township Police Chief Scott Fida stood at the podium and tried to find the words for the death of an 11-year-old boy whose mother is charged with his strangulation murder.

"Our community is hurting. It's been a number of years since we've had anything like this. Our hearts go out to the family and our community," said Fida, who has a 12-year-old son. "Everyone in our town has heard this story in one way, shape, or form. As a community, we will get through this."

Fida had appeared with Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele outside the Courthouse in Norristown last Wednesday to announce the charges against Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead.

DiRienzo-Whitehead was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and possessing an instrument of crime. She was extradited from the Jersey Shore back to Montgomery County on Friday and is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

There is no bail available for first-degree murder charges.

"I just arrived back in the district from Harrisburg to hear of the tragic loss of such a young member of our community," said state Rep. Melissa Cerrato upon hearing about the crime. "My heart is breaking for all who knew and loved him. Please keep this young man, his family, and his friends in your hearts and hug your loved ones extra tight."

The boy was found dead in his Privet Road home last Tuesday by his father, who found the door to the master bedroom locked and his wife and the family’s Toyota Highlander missing.

Authorities said after DiRienzo-Whitehead left her home, she drove the family’s SUV to Cape May, N.J. There, she proceeded to drive the vehicle into the ocean just off Beach Avenue, where it was found by Cape May Police. She then walked to Wildwood Crest, where she was taken into custody by Wildwood Crest Police.

Dirienzo-Whitehead said that she strangled her son with her husband's belt at the family's Privet Road home after he had been "upset and crying off and on all day" last Monday over the family's financial difficulties, according to an affidavit.

Fida said there had never been any history of crime at the address.

Horsham Township's Council started off its meeting last Wednesday with a moment of silence.

"It's been a heartbreaking week," Township Manager Bill Walker said. "People here have been really affected by what happened. Take time to hug your loved ones and children because we often do not do that enough. Life is precious. Please remember him in your thoughts."

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