What mom whose story broke America's heart in 1997 has been up to (2025)

She was the American mom whose world was turned upside down when her beloved baby boy died in the care of a British au pair in 1997.

Deborah Eappen was thrown into the global spotlightafter the tragic death of her eight-month-old son, Matthew, while in the care of nanny Louise Woodwardat their home in Newton, Massachusetts, igniting a firestorm of debate and heartbreak.

The trial that followed was harrowing, but out of this profound loss, Deborah has emerged as a figure of resilience and inspiration and she has dedicated herself to deeply personal and poignant work.

In the wake of Matthew's passing, Deborah, alongside her husband Sunil channeled their grief into action.

The two doctors established the Matthew Eappen Foundation- a testament to their enduring love for the boy they fondly called Matty and a commitment to making a difference for other children.

With Deborah serving as the foundation's president and Sunil and Matthew's older brother Brendan as board members, the family has worked tirelessly to support initiatives focused on preventing child abuse and advocating for children's well-being.

Through the foundation, Deborah found a powerful outlet for her grief - and a way to honor Matthew's memory.

And this week the foundation did just that at the Boston Marathon.A familiar face at the event, Deborah has run the grueling 26.2 miles eight times, using each race as both a tribute and fundraising effort.

Even though Deborah wasn't running this year, the Matthew Eappen Foundation continued its tradition, with three supporters Vivian Tong, Bridget Stuart and Renee Potera taking on the challenge of the race to further the foundation's mission.

The foundation's web page shares that Deborah now works as a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Boston.

It says: 'Debbie is dedicated to educating medical professionals about the prevalence of child abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) in all socio-economic groups.

'She has spoken at the American Academy of Ophthalmology midyear forum to enhance educational materials on SBS/AHT.

'She has shared her experiences at numerous conferences including the International Conference on SBS/AHT. She also interviews with general media to prevent abuse through public education.

'Debbie recognizes the impact of SBS/AHT on the entire family, including siblings. She has testified at legislative hearings on child protection. She identifies with victim rights issues and has spoken at the victim rights conference in Boston. She has encouraged organ donation in homicide victims.

'She has spoken to medical examiners, legislators, college students, medical grand rounds attendees, and victim’s families.'

The foundation's site also tells how ​Matthew's brother Brendan graduated in 2016 from Harvard College where he studied Psychology and Global Health and Health Policy.

It says he 'loves teaching and learning, and he strives to extend care to the most vulnerable people through his work and everyday encounters'.

And Matthew's father Sunil has also continued to dedicate himself to the health industry. He has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Vermont Health Network since 2022.

Woodward was hired by the Eappens in November 1996 and just ten weeks after starting the job, Matthew died on February 9, 1997.

Woodward was said to have been cautioned by the parents for staying out late within two months of taking on her role.

The couple reportedly drew up a list of expectations which they presented to her in January 1997 to ensure 'the safety and well-being' of Matthew and his brother.

Each year, October 30 marks a difficult anniversary for Deborah as it is the day Woodward was found guilty ofsecond-degree murder in Matthew's death - a verdict that brought international attention to the dangers of Abusive Head Trauma.

In a Facebook post on the anniversary last year she reflected on the 27th anniversary of the verdict and remembered Matthew calling him a 'butterball' baby.

She wrote he was 'always smiling and giggling, easily comforted by his parents and his two-and-a-half-year-old brother, Brendan.'

She described his 'chocolate eyes, silky black hair, and a knowing smile,' and recalled his favorite toy, a caterpillar that played 'You Are My Sunshine.'

She also recounted the tragic events of February 1997, when Matthew was rushed to Boston Children's Hospital, comatose and in need of emergency brain surgery for a large hemorrhage.

Doctors discovered a 2½-inch skull fracture, a healing wrist fracture, and extensive retinal bleeding.

Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the brain swelling and damage were too much to survive.

Five days later, following the recommendation of the hospital ethics committee, Matthew died in his parents' arms.

The subsequent trial of Woodward became one of the most high-profile court cases of the decade, broadcast live on television and sparking heated debate on both sides of the Atlantic.

The prosecution alleged that Woodward, who was 19 at the time, had violently shaken Matthew, causing fatal head injuries - a form of abuse known as 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'.

Woodward denied harming him and her defense team argued that Matthew's injuries could have been caused by a pre-existing medical condition or an earlier accident.

The case polarized public opinion. In the US, many viewed Woodward as a cold and reckless caregiver who betrayed the family's trust.

In the UK, a wave of sympathy grew for Woodward who was far from home, depicted by some as a scapegoat for a tragic accident.

After intense deliberation, Woodward was convicted of second-degree murder and faced a potential life sentence.

But just days later, Judge Hiller Zobel stunned the world by reducing the conviction to involuntary manslaughter, citing concerns about 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' evidence and lack of proof of intent.

Woodward's sentence was set to time served, and she was released after 279 days in jail, returning to Britain a free woman.

The decision sparked outrage among some in the American public and left the Eappen family devastated, feeling that justice for Matthew had not been fully served.

Woodward now lives back in Englandand has a daughter. She is married and is known as Louise Elkes after taking her husband's name.

In 2022 she waspictured on the school run.At that time Woodward was teaching dance classes.

After her manslaughter conviction, Woodward described it as 'a conviction I don't deserve', and said she held out hope that 'in time the truth will come out' and she would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

In a later interview, Woodward admitted to 'lightly shaking' the unresponsive baby.

The case remains a source of debate to this day, with some medical experts continuing to dispute the science of 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' and advocacy groups calling for greater safeguards for children in care.

Dailymail.com reached out to the Matthew Eappen Foundation for further comment.