On February 4, 1997, Louise Woodward placed a 911 call in Newton, Massachusetts, reporting an 8-month-old baby, Matthew Eappen, who was "barely breathing." Upon arrival at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Matthew was in a comatose state with severe injuries, including a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, and retinal hemorrhaging, indicative of shaken baby syndrome.
The 19-year-old from England, working as an au pair during a gap year after high school, was responsible for Matthew and his 2-year-old brother when the infant became unresponsive. Woodward faced swift accusations of violently shaking Matthew and was subsequently arrested on February 5, 1997.
Matthew Eappen was removed from life support on February 9, 1997. Despite Woodward's denial of causing harm to the baby, she faced a first-degree murder charge in March. The subsequent trial unfolded with intense scrutiny, and its aftermath continues to be a subject of controversy.
Delve into the details of Woodward's trial, examining the circumstances surrounding the case, the factors contributing to its contentious nature, and the ongoing debate. Explore how Louise Woodward's life has unfolded in the aftermath of these events, shedding light on the enduring impact of this high-profile and controversial legal saga.
Louise Woodward’s Trial
Louise Woodward's highly publicized trial in October 1997 captivated audiences in both the United States and the United Kingdom, where televised trials were uncommon at the time.
The prosecution emphasized three critical injuries sustained by Matthew Eappen: a subdural hematoma, bleeding at the back of his eyes, and brain swelling, collectively forming the medical "triad" that indicated violent shaking. Prosecutors also alleged that Matthew's head had been forcefully slammed on a hard surface.
A central argument from the prosecution suggested that Woodward prioritized her enjoyment in Boston over her childcare responsibilities. Matthew's parents, Drs. Deborah and Sunil Eappen, believed Woodward, who had previously left an au pair job with an 11 p.m. curfew, frequently stayed out too late.
Woodward's defense contendedthat an exacerbation of a pre-existing accidental injury led to Matthew's death. Medical experts supporting the defense argued that the skull fracture displayed signs of healing, indicating it occurred weeks before the incident. Additionally, expert testimony claimed that blood clots in Matthew's brain were three weeks old, and his wrist had been broken two weeks prior to February 4.
The defense highlighted the absence of bruises suggesting harsh shaking, and argued that the lack of swelling at the site of the skull fracture contradicted recent trauma from a forceful impact.
During her testimony, Woodward admitted to shaking the baby when he wouldn't wake up but denied engaging in violent behavior. She clarified that earlier on February 4, she had "popped" Matthew on the bed and laid him on the bathroom floor, countering police assertions that she had stated she "dropped" the baby.
Verdict By Jury
Responding to a defense request, the judge granted the jury the option to consider only first or second-degree murder charges, excluding manslaughter. This strategic move aimed to increase the likelihood of an acquittal for Louise Woodward.
The culmination came on October 30, 1997, with the jury delivering a verdict of guilty for second-degree murder. In a distressed reaction, Woodward exclaimed, "I didn't do anything… Why did they do that to me?" Subsequently, on October 31, she received a mandatory life sentence, requiring her to serve 15 years before parole eligibility.
New Verdict
On November 10, 1997, Judge Hiller Zobel, who presided over the trial, modified Louise Woodward's conviction from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. The judge justified his decision, stating, "I am morally certain that allowing this defendant on this evidence to remain convicted of second-degree murder would be a miscarriage of justice," as per court documents.
Although the prosecution sought a 15 to 20-year sentence for manslaughter, Zobel sentenced Woodward to the 279 days she had already spent behind bars before and during the trial, as well as post-conviction. The reduced conviction and sentence were met with celebration by Woodward's supporters outside the courthouse and in England.
Deborah Eappen, Matthew's mother, expressed her discontent, telling TIME magazine, "Louise took away Matthew, and the judge took away justice."
Woodward was released from custody on November 10, 1997. However, the prosecution filed an appeal to either reinstate her original conviction or, if unsuccessful, to have her resentenced. During this pending appeal, Woodward had to remain in Massachusetts.
On June 16, 1998, the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, in a 4-3 decision, upheld Woodward's manslaughter verdict and the 279-day sentence. The ruling emphasized that Woodward had not been found innocent, stating, "She stands guilty of causing an infant's violent death. The outcome of this criminal trial most assuredly was not an 'acquittal.'"
Inquiries Regarding The Phenomenon Known As 'Shaken Baby Syndrome.'
When Louise Woodward returned to England on June 18, 1998, she insisted to the press that she was innocent of harming baby Matthew. She expressed her hope that the medical community would advocate for her case to prove her innocence, as all avenues of appeal had been exhausted.
Since Woodward's trial, the medical perspective on shaken baby syndrome, now recognized as a form of abusive head trauma (AHT), has undergone changes. In a 2020 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics affirmed the validity of the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis within the AHT category. However, the statement acknowledged the increasing recognition of medical conditions that can mimic the symptoms associated with AHT.
Some medical professionals argue that conditions such as bleeding disorders, infections leading to a stroke, genetic factors, and accidental falls can manifest with the same symptoms as shaken baby syndrome. The "triad" of symptoms, including subdural hematomas and severe retinal hemorrhages, traditionally linked to AHT, may have other causes.
Notably, experts highlight the challenge of determining the timing of brain injuries in infants and young children, emphasizing that consciousness can be retained after such an injury.
Even Patrick Barnes, a pediatric radiologist who initially testified for the prosecution in Woodward's trial, has become a critic of the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis. In 2015, he admitted that he would now state that baby Matthew's injuries "could have been accidental."
Despite medical debates, Deborah and Sunil Eappen, the parents of Matthew, remain convinced that Woodward's actions led to their son's death. They established The Matty Eappen Foundation a year after Matthew's passing to raise awareness about shaken baby syndrome.
In a 2007 interview on Good Morning America, Deborah expressed a positive outcome from the tragedy, stating, "I feel like a positive from this is to be able to say to our kids, look, when something goes really wrong, we are able to make a difference by trying to make something really right."
What Is Louise Woodward’s Life Like Today?
In 1999, Louise Woodward and the Eappens settled a civil lawsuit brought by Matthew's parents. As part of the agreement, Woodward committed to donating any earnings related to the case to charity.
Woodward pursued a legal education at London's South Bank University and successfully graduated in 2002. Transitioning to a legal career, she commenced work as a lawyer through a two-year training contract in 2004.
However, in 2005, she opted to leave the legal profession and venture into teaching salsa dancing alongside her boyfriend. To this day, she continues to work as a dance teacher.
In 2006, Woodward crossed paths with businessman Antony Elkes, and the two tied the knot in 2013. On January 1, 2014, Woodward welcomed a daughter.
Addressing her life in a 2007 interview, Woodward asserted, "I have done nothing wrong. I am entitled to enjoy my life. I am not going to apologize for being happy."
See Also