The Crimes That Changed Us Season 1 Episode 6 The Nanny Trial

In the sixth episode of the first season of The Crimes That Changed Us, viewers are taken back to the high-profile case that rocked the nation, known as The Nanny Trial. The episode delves into the details of the trial and the impact it had on the way parents approached child care.

The Nanny Trial tells the story of Louise Woodward, a British au pair who was accused of violently shaking eight-month-old Matthew Eappen while caring for him in his family's home in Boston in 1997. The incident left Matthew with severe brain damage, and he later died in the hospital.

The episode features interviews with key players in the trial, including lawyers, medical experts, and members of both the Eappen and Woodward families. It also includes footage from the trial and news broadcasts at the time.

Viewers are shown how the trial quickly became a media sensation, with reporters from around the world descending on Boston to cover every detail. The case also sparked a heated debate about child care practices and the role of nannies and au pairs in families.

The defense argued that Woodward had no intention of hurting Matthew and that his injuries could have been caused by an undiagnosed medical condition. The prosecution, however, maintained that Woodward had shaken the baby out of frustration and anger.

Ultimately, Woodward was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. However, the verdict was later reduced to involuntary manslaughter, and she was released early on parole.

The Nanny Trial highlights the lasting impact of the case on child care practices. Parents were forced to reevaluate their hiring and screening processes for nannies and au pairs, and many families became much more cautious when it came to choosing their child's caretaker.

The episode also explores the controversial issue of Shaken Baby Syndrome, the diagnosis used to explain Matthew's injuries. While many medical experts believe in the condition, others argue that it is often misdiagnosed and may not even exist.

Overall, The Nanny Trial is a gripping episode full of twists and turns, and it sheds light on a case that not only changed the lives of those involved but also had a lasting impact on society as a whole.