Who Is Louise Woodward case? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Louise Woodward was born on February 26, 1978, which makes her 47 years old as of 2025. She gained notoriety in the late 1990s for her involvement in a highly publicized criminal case in the United States. Woodward, a British au pair, was accused of murdering 8-month-old Matthew Eappen in 1997 while she was caring for him in Newton, Massachusetts. Following a tumultuous trial, she was convicted of manslaughter, a charge that was later reduced to time served after she spent nearly a year in prison. Louise Woodward’s case remains a significant topic of discussion regarding the legal system and media influence.
| Occupation | Criminal |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Birth Place | Newton, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Louise Woodward case's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Body Measurements: 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm)
Louise has maintained a relatively low profile since her trial, focusing on her well-being and personal growth.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Louise Woodward is reportedly single. Following her high-profile ordeal, she has chosen to lead a private life. Details about her family indicate she has strong ties with her parents, who have supported her throughout her challenges. She has been discreet about her dating life, and any past relationships remain largely behind closed doors.
The presiding judge was Hiller B. Zobel.
The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Gerard Leone, along with Assistant District Attorney Martha Coakley, presented eight physicians involved in Matthew's care, including a neurosurgeon, an ophthalmologist, a radiologist, two pathologists, and an expert in child abuse, who testified to their belief that his injuries had occurred as a
result of violent shaking, and from his head impacting with a hard surface.
The defense challenged this, among other things, on the grounds that there were no neck injuries to him; injuries that they claimed would have been expected if he had been violently shaken.
The prosecution had also claimed initially that his impact injuries were the equivalent of having been thrown from a two-story building, but they equivocated over this claim as the trial progressed.
The defense presented expert medical testimony that his injury may have occurred three weeks before the date of death, implying that his parents, Sunil and Deborah Eappen, both of whom were doctors, might be implicated in negligence or abuse of the child.
He had old wrist injuries that may have been incurred before Woodward even arrived at the house. She, however, claimed under cross-examination that she never noticed any slight bumps, marks, or any unusual behaviour by him at any time prior to the night he was taken to the hospital.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Louise Woodward's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. After her return to the UK post-trial, Woodward has pursued various opportunities to earn a living, although exact figures related to her salary are not publicly disclosed. Her earnings come primarily from sporadic media engagements and personal investments.
Career, Business, and Investments
Louise Woodward’s professional journey has been unconventional, influenced heavily by the scrutiny from her past. In the years following her case, she has engaged in various business ventures, including consulting and writing. She is also known to have participated in discussions regarding child care practices and legal reforms. While she may not be a public figure in the traditional sense, her story has inspired many discussions on parenting and justice.
After her return to the United Kingdom, she began a career in law, and later ballroom and Latin dance teaching. In 2022, a Channel 4 documentary revisited the case, with a civil rights lawyer questioning the validity of the 'shaken baby syndrome' accusation.
Social Network
Louise Woodward is not very active on social media platforms, preferring to maintain a low profile. As of 2025, her social media presence includes accounts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, but they are rarely updated, reflecting her desire for privacy and distance from her controversial past.
Eappen died from a fractured skull and subdural hematoma, and had a previously unnoticed fractured wrist. Although Woodward was initially found guilty of second-degree murder, Judge Hiller B. Zobel reduced her conviction to involuntary manslaughter during a post-conviction relief hearing, leading to her release after serving 279 days.
Education
Louise attended schools in her hometown in the UK before moving to the United States as an au pair. Post-incident, she has taken courses related to child psychology and care, aiming to better understand the child welfare system and provide insight based on her experiences.
A grand jury decided on a first-degree murder charge in March. She was denied bail and held until trial at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Framingham, a maximum-security prison. Before the trial, the defense tried to move it to another city, arguing that a local jury would be too biased to render a fair verdict. The judge disagreed and denied the defence motion.
