The mother of a baby boy was remanded in custody awaiting trial for murdering him.
29-year-old Raluca Ioana Tagani appeared before the judge Belfast The District Court Friday morning.
She was accused of murdering her son Liam O’Keefe in a house in the Ardoyne area of northern Belfast on Tuesday night.
Ms. Tagani, she is from Romania, Was also accused of attempting to murder another young child in the same property in Brompton Park.
The child is in critical condition in the hospital.
The defendant’s address was not provided to the court. They appeared from the intensive care unit via a video link and conducted a brief hearing in front of Deputy District Judge Liam Maxtai.
She only spoke briefly to confirm that she understood the accusations she faced.
A Romanian interpreter translated the court proceedings.
A lawyer for Ms. Tagani said he did not raise any questions with the police officer on the matter.
The lawyer also stated that he would not apply for bail for his client.
Ms. Tagani was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on August 27.
Liam’s father, also called Liam O’Keefe, spoke at the vigil last night after traveling from England where he has always lived.
He said: “Thanks to all the neighbors and the entire community for their help and support. I really appreciate it.
“Holding this vigil means the whole world to me. I am really sad, but it gives me the power to know that you have all given so much love and support.
After receiving 999 calls, the police and paramedics were called to the house on Tuesday night and found Liam there.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services to resuscitate him, they could not save Liam’s life.
Since his tragic death, neighbors have placed flowers and teddy bears outside the front garden of the house.
On Wednesday, Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said: “What happened in Addoin last night was very tragic.
“As far as I know, first responders entered a house and they found two young children were seriously injured. Despite their best efforts, one child died on the spot.
“The other child has been taken to the hospital and is in critical condition.
“Our hope and prayer is that the child can survive and fully recover.”



