Woman charged with murdering baby boy Liam O’Keefe and attempting to murder young child in Belfast
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A 29-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of an eight-month old boy and the attempted murder of a young child in Belfast.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) named the boy found dead at a house in Brompton Park in north Belfast on Tuesday, July 27, as Liam O’Keefe.
The woman, whose name was not released by officers, will appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court later today.
The PSNI’s Detective Chief Inspector Chris Millar, investigating the murder said: “The other young child injured during this incident remains in hospital where her condition is stable.”
Police were called to the house in north Belfast shortly after 8pm on Tuesday evening, where they discovered Liam O’Keefe and another injured child.
Detective Chief Inspector Millar said on Wednesday: “Despite the efforts of the emergency services the baby was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The other young child was taken to hospital and remains in intensive care.”
The 29-year-woman who was also in the house was arrested on suspicion of murder and police confirmed that they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the death. The child’s father, also named Liam O’Keefe, said he was “heartbroken” during a vigil in the Ardoyne area of North Belfast last night.
After a priest said prayers, Mr O’Keefe said: “To all the neighbours, and the full community, for all their help and support, I really appreciate their support.
“I am truly heartbroken but it gives me strength to know you’re all showing so much love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Residents left cards, flowers and teddy bears outside the house in Brompton Park, in support of the family.
North Belfast MP John Finucane said in a press conference: “On my behalf, and everybody in the community, our thoughts are with the families that are directly affected by this.
“It is a hugely tragic situation, compounded by the fact that we’re dealing with someone who has died at such a young age.”