Romanian mother charged with murdering her eight-week-old son Liam O’Keefe and attempted murder of toddler, 2, in house stabbing is remanded in custody
A mother charged with murdering her eight-week old son and the attempted murder of a toddler has been remanded in custody.
Raluca Ioana Tagani, 29, appeared via video link before a judge in Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning.
She is accused of murdering her son Liam O’Keefe in a house in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on Tuesday evening.
Tagani, who is originally from Romania, is also accused of the attempted murder of a two-year-old child in the same stabbing incident at the home on Brompton Park.
That child is in a critical condition in hospital.
Raluca Ioana Tagani, 29, appeared via video link before a judge in Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning. She is accused of murdering her son Liam O’Keefe on Tuesday night
Baby Liam, who was eight weeks old, was found dead in a house in the Northern Irish capital
Tagani appeared from a custody cell for the brief hearing before deputy district judge Liam McStay.
She spoke only briefly to confirm she understood the charges she faced and a Romanian interpreter translated the court proceedings.
A detective sergeant with the Police Service of Northern Ireland told the court he could connect the accused to the charge.
A solicitor for Tagani said he had no questions for the officer in respect of the connection.
The lawyer also said he would not be applying for bail for his client. Tagani was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on August 27.
Liam O'Keefe, the father of baby Liam, went from England to Northern Ireland after the alleged attack.
Liam O'Keefe, the father of baby Liam, speaks to local residents as they take part in a vigil and balloon launch at Brompton Park, Ardoyne, North Belfast
Speaking to residents at the vigil on Thursday in the blue balloon-filled street, Liam said he was 'truly heartbroken'
A local priest also offered up prayers outside the Brompton Park home in north Belfast
Speaking to residents at a vigil yesterday in a blue balloon-filled street, Liam said he was 'truly heartbroken' as he thanked the community for their support.
According to Belfast Live, he said: 'To all the neighbours and the full community for all their help and support, I really appreciate it all.
'Holding this vigil means the world to me. I am truly heartbroken but it gives me the strength to know you are all giving so much love and support.
'Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'
A local priest also offered up prayers outside the Brompton Park home.
Police forensics officers at the scene following the incident. A detective sergeant with the Police Service of Northern Ireland told the court he could connect the accused to the charge
Tagani was remanded in custody to appear before the court in Belfast again on August 27