Waterford mother accused of son's murder receiving medical evaluations

Ruth Purcell Healy, aged 37, of Bishops Field, Williamstown, Co Waterford, was due to appear before a scheduled hearing at Waterford District Court but was medically certified as unable to attend court.

Ms Purcell Healy is charged with the murder of her six-year-old son, Matthew.

Matthew Purcell Healy was discovered unresponsive near Rathmoylan Cove, Co Waterford, between March 8 and March 9, 2024. He was later declared deceased at University Hospital Waterford.

Ms Purcell Healy is currently receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin.

When Judge Kevin Staunton asked for an update, solicitor Ken Cunningham stated: “We are talking weeks as opposed to months, there’s medical evaluations being taken, a diagnosis is being done.” 

Ms. Purcell Healy is scheduled to appear via video link at Waterford District Court on June 18.