Life Sentences for Couple in Boy’s Death

WARNING: This story references details of child abuse.

Ten months after the murder trial began for a couple in Burlington, Ont., Friday’s sentencing hearing focused on the two young brothers they were responsible for, who experienced abuse, and on the family and community affected as a result.

Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan sentenced Brandy Cooney, 45, and Becky Hamber, 47, to life in prison without parole for at least 25 years – the mandatory minimum for first-degree murder.

Sentencing “is the end of this case, but not the ending of the memory of L. L., and only the beginning of J. L.’s life,” Conlan emphasized in his final comments in Milton court.

In May, the judge found both women guilty of murdering L. L., who was 12 when he was discovered lifeless and malnourished in their basement in 2022. They were also convicted of assaulting, confining, and failing to provide basic necessities to J. L., resulting in several additional sentences that will run concurrently with their life terms.

The biological mother of L. L. and J. L. told the sentencing hearing she wants people to remember L. L. as the ‘smart, funny’ kid who loved sports and books. (Pam Davies/CBC)

The sentencing hearing started with victim impact statements.

Key speakers included J. L., their biological mother, and the boys’ former foster mother from Ottawa.

Now 14, J. L. shared how much he missed his older brother. Afterward, he mentioned feeling anxious and scared being in court facing Hamber and Cooney but stated “It’s good they got what they deserved.”

He also expressed his aspiration to become a lawyer because he enjoys arguing and believes everyone deserves representation regardless of guilt or innocence.

Convicted woman reads poem

The court heard from firefighters still dealing with trauma from responding to L. L.’s death, teachers and neighbors reflecting on whether they could have done more, along with family members mourning a boy who will never reach adulthood.

Both Hamber and Cooney addressed the court as permitted by law.

Each maintained their innocence while claiming justice had not been served.

Becky Hamber, left, and Brandy Cooney, right, read statements to the court during their sentencing hearing. (Pam Davies/CBC)

Cooney recited a poem she wrote from L. L.’s perspective which drew disapproving reactions from those present in court.

“We have the truth always,” Hamber declared while apologizing for any harm caused while insisting her intentions were good. “I can learn from my mistakes and move forward.”

Defence lawyer praises younger brother

Macon Mac Gregor-Hamber’s attorney-who previously questioned J. L. during his testimony turned towards him at sentencing saying “I am hopeful and confident that you will flourish going forward.”

“It’s hard to walk away not being impacted so significantly,” he remarked about the trial while thanking everyone involved wishing them all well.

Ontario couple found guilty of boy’s murder; brother’s torture

An Ontario judge found Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney guilty of murdering an Indigenous boy whom they tried to adopt while torturing his brother.

The brothers lived with Hamber and Cooney as prospective adoptive parents for around five years starting back in 2017.

A few days after L. L.’s passing,

The Children’s Aid Society removed J. L. from their care.

BOTH women were arrested by Halton police on January 17th,

2023 charging them with assault.

On February 29th,

2024,

police formally charged them with killing L. L.

The trial featured testimonies from forty-eight witnesses along with two hundred nine exhibits presented into evidence according TO CONLAN’S report.

The judge described it as “lengthy AND difficult” , a sentiment echoed by some people’s statements during Friday’s proceedings

Conlan outlined THAT HIS decision came primarily FROM text messages exchanged between COONEY , HAMBER AND COONEY’S FATHER (who lived WITH THEM), ALONG WITH j. l.’S testimony , MEDICAL professional accounts regarding l. l.’s treatment , POST-MORTEM findings AS WELL AS expert opinions plus TESTIMONY given BY ham BER AND COONEY

If you’re affected by this report , YOU CAN SEEK mental health support through resources available IN your province OR territory. IF YOU’RE IN immediate danger OR fear FOR YOUR safety OR THAT OF others AROUND YOU , please CALL 911.

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