Louise Woodward

Louise Woodward was a British teenager who wanted to experience independence. In July 1996, 18-year-old Louise found a placement as an au pair (nanny) in the United States. After leaving one placement, unhappy with an 11pm "curfew", she started work for Drs. Sunil Eappen and Debbie Eappen in Boston, caring for their two sons, 2-year-old Brendan and 8-month-old Matthew Eappen. The Eappens soon grew concerned at Woodward's late nights out, her apparent immaturity, and her alleged lack of concern over the care of the two children in her charge. On February 4, 1997, Louise called an ambulance after Matthew Eappen stopped breathing. He was put on a life support machine at Boston Children's Hospital. Louise was arrested the following day, and pled not guilty to battery of a child. However, she admitted shaking Matthew and throwing him on a pile of towels. Matthew died on February 10 of a brain hemorrhage. Louise was charged with murder. At her trial, the prosecution claimed that Louise killed Matthew in a "frustrated, unhappy and resentful rage". Louise had admitted to police that she "may have been a little rough with him" after he had been "cranky, crying and fussy". The prosecution called her "a liar and aspiring actress" who spent all her nights out on the town. In October 1997, the jury found Louise guilty of second degree murder, and handed down a mandatory life sentence. The following month, however, the judge reduced the sentence to time served and she eventually returned to England.