Cedar Springs, Michigan – A Michigan mother who once publicly shared heartbreaking stories about her newborns suffering from a rare and deadly virus is now accused of killing them. Authorities say the woman admitted during a police interview that she suffocated her toddler daughter and also caused the earlier death of her infant son, despite both cases initially being tied to medical complications.
Shocking confession revealed after toddler’s death
Investigators said 27-year-old Irene Aiyana Whitehead was arrested after emergency crews responded to her Cedar Springs home on September 3, where her 1-year-old daughter Ryleigh Whitehead was found unresponsive and not breathing. She died at the scene, and Whitehead was reportedly the only adult present.
During questioning, authorities say Whitehead confessed to suffocating Ryleigh with a bag. When officers pressed further, she allegedly admitted she wanted the child to “die” because she “couldn’t take it anymore.”
According to court documents, she also volunteered information about the 2021 death of her 2-month-old son Leonard, whose passing had been ruled natural at the time and linked to parainfluenza viral-type pneumonia.
Shifting narrative after years of medical claims
For years, Whitehead openly discussed her children’s supposed battles with a rare strain of parainfluenza. In a 2023 interview with a Grand Rapids news outlet, she described Ryleigh’s “dangerous” illness and even gave advice to other parents about trusting their instincts.
But investigators now say they do not believe either child ever suffered from the virus. That conclusion emerged after Whitehead reportedly admitted she wrote and signed a statement on November 25 reading “I killed them,” referring to both Ryleigh and Leonard.
Details from the police interview
Police say Whitehead confessed to suffocating Ryleigh multiple times with a bag. When detectives asked why she kept taking the toddler to the hospital, they suggested she may have been attempting to create a medical record that made her appear ill.
Her alleged response was chilling.
“I wanted to kill her.”
When detectives asked when she made the decision to end her daughter’s life, investigators say she replied:
“Right after she was born.”
Authorities said her statements prompted them to re-examine Leonard’s death, which had long been considered medically explained.
Disturbing home video discovered
Investigators also recovered video footage from Whitehead’s home. A clip recorded less than a month before Ryleigh’s death reportedly shows one of Whitehead’s older children confronting her directly. At one point, the child allegedly says:
“You never even wanted me… you only want me to die.”
The footage ends with the child saying:
“Just kill me already.”
Detectives described the video as deeply concerning and consistent with the behavior Whitehead later confessed to.
Online search added to case evidence
Less than a week after Ryleigh’s death, investigators say Whitehead searched online for “how hard is it to prove if cause of death is suffocation by bag in toddler.”
A medical examiner later noted that asphyxia could not be ruled out as Ryleigh’s cause of death. Officials have stated that her manner of death will be updated to homicide based on new evidence.
Charges filed and ongoing investigation
Whitehead is currently charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse in Ryleigh’s death. She has not yet been charged in connection with Leonard’s death, though prosecutors say that possibility remains open pending further review.
She is being held at the Kent County Jail on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on December 10.
A case that continues to raise questions
The revelations have shocked the Cedar Springs community. For years, Whitehead openly grieved publicly, discussed medical challenges, and appeared to advocate for awareness around rare childhood illnesses. Investigators now allege those medical narratives were fabricated to conceal ongoing harm.
Officials say they are continuing to gather evidence and will determine whether additional charges are warranted.
Share your thoughts
This case has raised difficult questions about warning signs, child welfare, and how such tragedies can unfold behind closed doors. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
