LOWER MERION TWP., Pennsylvania – A verdict has been reached in the Renee DiPietro murder trial, where she has been found guilty of third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime. The incident stemmed from an altercation involving her son, leading to the stabbing death of 31-year-old Michael Sides on June 10, 2023.
Authorities revealed that DiPietro used a 16-inch blade hidden in a walking cane to kill the victim, following her son’s involvement in a bar altercation. After her son allegedly punched a friend of the victim, DiPietro and her husband went to the bar, resulting in another altercation where she ultimately stabbed Sides twice with the hidden knife.
During the trial, video evidence was presented showing that neither DiPietro, her husband, nor her son sought to call 911 or offer assistance to the victim after the stabbing. Assistant District Attorney Brianna Ringwood pointed out that while DiPietro had the right to defend herself and her son, she did not have the right to take the victim’s life, emphasizing the indifference displayed towards the victim’s life.
As the trial concluded, DiPietro expressed her concerns about what others would do if placed in a similar position, while the victim’s family expressed satisfaction with the verdict. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of using lethal force in self-defense situations and the responsibility to uphold the value of human life.