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 kill