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On this day - 10 November

Historical items of interest as featured in the papers of the day.

Image for page DExp_1997_11_11_007

Woodward murder conviction reduced to manslaughter

Daily Express 10/11/1997

Louise Woodward was a British au pair working in Massachusetts, US, caring for Matthew Eappen. He was 8 months old when he died. Eappen was found to have a skull fracture and a subdural haematoma as the time of his death. Woodward was convicted of his murder.

On November 10th 1997 her murder conviction was reduced to involuntary manslaughter during a post conviction hearing. At this point she was released from prison on time served of 279 days. The prosecution immediately appealed this decision, but it was upheld. allowing Woodward to return to the UK.

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