A Michigan mother is accused of abusing and killing her children for years, with one death previously being attributed to the flu virus.
Irene Whitehead, 27, was first arrested and charged with murder two months ago for allegedly suffocating 2-year-old Ryleigh Whitehead, WOOD-8 reported. Now, the authorities have charged her for allegedly killing 2-month-old Leo in 2021.
Leo's death originally was attributed to parainfluenza viral-type pneumonia based in part on comments Whitehead made, the station reported.
Among the evidence against Whitehead is an admission made in a signed statement in which she stated, "I killed them."
"Now, with additional information from the pattern and other facts that are now known to us, including Irene's statement. The original cause of death has now been changed to homicide," Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said, according to WOOD-8.
The investigation began Sept. 3, 2025, when police were called to the Whitehead home because Ryleigh was not breathing. The child was found dead by law enforcement, and an investigation began. Irene Whitehead was arrested on Nov. 25, 2025, and charged with felony murder and child abuse.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Bartlett told WOOD-8 that prosecutors intend to go to trial in the case if needed.
"I am very confident in this case. I don't see offers being made, especially when our victims are children and so young," Bartlett told the station.
