Kent County: Mother Confesses To Killing Her 2 Young Kids

A woman in Cedar Springs, Michigan, admitted to Kent County Sheriff's deputies that she killed her 2-year-old daughter, then later fessed up to also killing her 2-month old son.

Cedar Springs: A Quiet Family Community

Cedar Springs is a quiet family community about 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids. The town offers almost everything a family needs, including good schools and proximity to larger job markets.

When I was looking for a place to live, Cedar Springs was high on my list of choices as it is for many families looking for a town they can call home. Since the town is right off 131, I often shop there on my way home, which is further north.

Read More: Homeless Man’s Dog Case Leads to Vet’s Jail Time

I could only imagine the shock the community felt once they learned one of its residents was charged for killing one of their children.

Cedar Springs Mother Charged After Admitting To Killings

According to WOOD TV, 27-year-old Irene Whitehead of Cedar Springs has been charged with the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Ryleigh. Detectives conducted a second interview on November 25 where Whitehead admitted to killing her daughter by suffocating her with a bag. When asked why she put the bag over her daughter's mouth, she said, "That she wouldn't be here anymore, that she'd die."

Whitehead signed a confession stating "I killed them," apparently referring to her son Leonard who died when he was 2 months old in 2021.

Court documents state that Whitehead had repeatedly suffocated her daughter, who was taken to the hospital several times due to breathing problems

A detective asked Whitehead in an interview, "When did you decide that you wanted to kill her?" She replied, "Right after she was born."

Whitehead had a total of four children. The two surviving children are with their fathers

Whitehead is charged with first degree murder and if convicted she will spend life in prison without parole. Her next court date will be December 10.

Get our free mobile app

👇BELOW: Mid-Michigan's Most Wanted Felons September 2025👇