SHINING A LIGHT ON TRAGEDY
Twenty five years on, a compelling new series re-examines the story of Louise Woodward
AMassachusetts family was torn apart when, in February 1997, baby Matthew Eappen died of a brain haemorrhage. Both the UK and America were gripped by the story as it was reported Matthew showed classic symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and Louise Woodward, his 19-year-old au pair from Cheshire, was charged with murder.
It was the first time TV had ever broadcast the case of a British person on trial for murder in America. Now, 25 years on, Channel 4 is bringing us a fascinating three-part documentary with input from the lead detective, the prosecutor and jury members.
One of the first to speak is Brendan Mcniff, the paramedic who went to the Eappen home. “I don’t remember every call I’ve ever been on, for sure. But I certainly remember events that transpired that day,” he says.
There are many emotional moments, such as footage of Matthew’s father Sunil talking about the child he lost.
“He used to lie on me in the morning. Sometimes I wake up and I… feel him. I think he’s there. But I put my arms up… and he’s not there.”
But footage in the third episode provides the biggest shock, when key prosecution witness Dr Patrick Barnes admits there has been a revolution in the understanding of head injuries. “I can’t give testimony that would convict Louise Woodward beyond a reasonable doubt. I shouldn’t have done that.”
After a life sentence for murder was changed to involuntary manslaughter, Louise was freed and returned to her family in England.
Louise’s story will divide opinion now, as it did back then – and we’ll probably never know the full facts. But this is an intriguing picture of a case that has never been forgotten.