Testimony Reveals Challenges in Care of High-Needs Boy

WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and references thoughts of suicide.

The second of two Ontario women on trial for the death of a boy they were caring for testified for the first time, stating on Monday that she and her wife had difficulties getting him the assistance they believed he required.

During her initial day of testimony in Milton Superior Court, Becky Hamber mentioned that she and Brandy Cooney were unaware the boy had serious behavioral issues before he and his younger brother came to live with them.

Hamber described how the older boy would unexpectedly become aggressive and noted that when problems first arose, the Children’s Aid Society wasn’t always helpful.

Hamber recounted an incident from 2018 when the boy, referred to as L. L. during this trial, called her a “stupid b-word” and shoved her down a flight of stairs. She said she landed on her feet but injured her leg.

On that same day, Hamber stated that Cooney took the boy-who was also showing suicidal thoughts-to a local hospital where he stayed for several days.

Monte Mac Gregor, Hamber’s lawyer, asked if anyone provided the couple with “strategies” to handle the outbursts she described at that time.

“No they did not,” Hamber replied.

In October, Dr. Alan Brown, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, testified that L. L. likely suffered from disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactive attachment disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He mentioned that he and his team never witnessed explosive outbursts like those described by Hamber and Cooney but acknowledged children can behave differently at home compared to when they are in care.

In this photo of L. L., the 12-year-old who died in 2022, CBC has blurred his face to protect his identity, which is under a publication ban. (Name withheld)

Cooney and Hamber from Burlington have both pleaded not guilty to charges related to L. L.’s death. They also entered not guilty pleas regarding charges of confinement, assault with a weapon-zip ties-and failing to provide necessities for life concerning his brother J. L. The identities of both Indigenous boys are protected under a publication ban.

The Crown claims that over five years living together led the couple to resent the boys.

The trial has heard evidence suggesting that the women would use vulgar names for the children, restrain them physically, confine them in their rooms for long periods, force them into exercising routines, and puree their meals.

Both women along with their defense lawyers argue they tried their best to care for high-needs boys while receiving inadequate support from Children’s Aid Society and health professionals.

In December, Cooney stated that L. L. wasn’t forced into exercise nor deprived of proper food but did admit to using restraints at times.

L. L. was just 12 when he passed away on December 21, 2022. Previous court testimonies revealed paramedics found him unresponsive on his bedroom floor in a basement area locked from outside. Witnesses claimed he appeared so malnourished and emaciated he looked closer to six years old despite being twice that age. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

J. L., now 13 years old, previously gave testimony during this trial.

Defense lawyer questions Hamber about meals

This past Monday Mac Gregor asked Hamber various questions regarding her experiences with both boys while touching on topics frequently discussed throughout this trial.

For instance, he inquired about pictures of meals she shared on Instagram which included captions about cooking for kids with special needs.

J. L. previously testified there was a period when Hamber and Cooney changed exclusively to giving him pureed food.

You might want me back now but I don’t think you will put my name back here!

Ammar said:

I don’t think I’ll be able tomake it through..

If you’re affected by this report , you can look for mental health support through resources in your province or territory.

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