WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse.
The trial for two women from Burlington, Ont., charged in connection with the death of a 12-year-old boy in their care has featured testimonies from several individuals involved in supporting the mental health of the boy and his younger brother.
A social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, and service co-ordinator shared that Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber had difficulty caring for the boys, whom they believed had gone through trauma, and mentioned that the women were looking for extra assistance.
One worker also stated she noted “yellow flags” due to concerns about how the children were being cared for.
The older boy, referred to as L. L. in court, passed away in December 2022. The identities of L. L. and his younger brother, J. L., are protected by a publication ban.
Difficulties arose when summer 2020 came about; at this point hamber & cooey expressed doubts about whether progress was being made during sessions.
She later provided files related her findings alongside what she’d identified as “yellow flags,” which included noting an instance where J. L. had been zip-tied into his pyjamas.
“J. L. told me it was so he wouldn’t pee on things when he was upset,” adding it was something she’d discussed previously with both women. This made her feel “uncomfortable,” though she didn’t think it warranted reporting it directly since there wasn’t enough urgency behind what she’d seen-“I thought it was something that just needed monitoring,” Peachey shared.
If you’re affected by this report , you can look mental health support through resources province territory.
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Crown claims women ‘hated, neglected and mistreated’ the boys
At the time of L. L.’s passing, Cooney and Hamber were trying to adopt both Indigenous brothers. The pair have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Cooney and Hamber have also entered not guilty pleas regarding charges of confinement, assault with a weapon – specifically zip ties – and failing to provide essential needs for J. L. The Ontario Superior Court judge-only trial started last month and is being overseen by Justice Clayton Conlan in Milton. It’s expected to continue into December. The Crown has alleged that Cooney and Hamber “hated, neglected and mistreated” L. L. and J. L., confining them to their rooms, limiting their food intake, and using zip ties to keep them dressed. During court proceedings it was revealed that on December 21, 2022, the couple called 911 when L. L. stopped breathing. First responders found him drenched while wearing a wetsuit. One expert witness indicated that L. L. was severely malnourished at the time of his death. His autopsy did not determine a cause of death. Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney are shown on their wedding day; they have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder along with other charges. (Becky Hamber/Facebook)Social worker states she never observed behaviors described by couple
Crown attorneys Kelli Frew and Monica Mac Kenzie questioned care providers about their findings regarding L. L. and J. L., as well as interactions with the accused parties. On Thursday, social worker Stefanie Peachey testified about her work with both boys along with Cooney and Hamber over approximately one year. She explained her sessions focused on building self-esteem, identity issues, and “who they wanted to be,” expressing concern that “the narrative around who [the boys] were … focused around negative experiences” regarding whether they were good or bad. Frew asked if Peachey ever saw any behaviors that Cooney or Hamber claimed were occurring at home like tantrums. “I never experienced any of those behaviours in session or in the waiting room,” said Peachey; she added she had a positive rapport with both boys who seemed polite to her. Initially she met with them face-to-face often one-on-one but switched to virtual appointments because of COVID-19 restrictions. She mentioned asking if headphones could be used for privacy but noticed adults seemed to listen since Hamber “emailed during a session to let me know one of the boys was lying to me.” Peachey recalled how Hamber and Cooney requested she avoid asking direct questions during sessions with the boys while suggesting withholding sessions as punishment if they lied.Difficulties arose when summer 2020 came about; at this point hamber & cooey expressed doubts about whether progress was being made during sessions.
She later provided files related her findings alongside what she’d identified as “yellow flags,” which included noting an instance where J. L. had been zip-tied into his pyjamas.
“J. L. told me it was so he wouldn’t pee on things when he was upset,” adding it was something she’d discussed previously with both women. This made her feel “uncomfortable,” though she didn’t think it warranted reporting it directly since there wasn’t enough urgency behind what she’d seen-“I thought it was something that just needed monitoring,” Peachey shared.
Defense claims accused aimed at assisting siblings
The defense team representing Hamber & cooey pointed out how their clients tried hard but struggled managing ll’s behavior which included binge-eating habits along manipulation techniques plus violent outbursts-such as harming animals stabbing kids using pencils occasionally even breaking hammier’s arm.< img src="J. L. and l. l., left right showing undated photo filed court exhibit teachers described clever curious eager students (Ontario Superior Court Milton) The defence also indicated these two experienced major trauma before entering custody under cooey ‘s & hammer ‘s care Lawyers repeatedly queried witnesses upon believing couples genuinely sought support advocating interests siblings. Peach responded saying mostly advocates might disagree towards ending relationship working together – “They certainly looked seeking help.” A therapist worked alongside brothers coordinator helped connect services told trial believed couples sincerely attempted gain guidance.Psychiatrist explains multiple disorders likely affecting LL
On Friday Dr Alan Brown child adolescent psychiatrist oakville trafalgar memorial hospital testified concerning care ll received hospital child adolescent inpatient unit
Based observations brown indicated likely diagnosed disruptive mood dysregulation disorder post traumatic stress disorder PTSD reactive attachment disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD.Brown stated although hamner asked admit LL longer stay august 2019 declined despite evidence showing remained calm composed happy logical coherent posed no risk self harm access supports available home including children aid
Cooey lawyer Kim Edward questioned doctor thought LL should admitted program children requiring mental health developmental needs London ON Brown agreed highlighting recommendation made time program refused accept ll patient determined fit appropriate
Brown remarked clearly hamner cooey appeared stressed overwhelmed behaviors described homes
If you’re affected by this report , you can look mental health support through resources province territory.
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