‘Ontario Murder Trial Involving Parents of Two Boys Approaches Conclusion’

WARNING: This story references allegations of child abuse.

On Dec. 21, 2022, a woman in Burlington, Ont., called 911 to report that a 12-year-old boy in her care had no vital signs.

“We can’t wake him up,” Becky Hamber told the dispatcher, who instructed Hamber and her wife, Brandy Cooney, to perform chest compressions on the boy.

First responders discovered the child lying in a pool of liquid on the floor of his basement bedroom. He was taken to the hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him.

The boy, L. L., originally from the Ottawa area, had been living with Hamber, Cooney, and his younger brother J. L. since 2017. CBC is using initials for the Indigenous boys due to a standard publication ban on their identities.

Prospective parents face assault and murder charges

Shortly after L. L.’s death, J. L. was removed from the couple’s care by the Children’s Aid Society. On Jan. 17, 2023, Halton police arrested both women and charged them with assaulting J. L. Then on Feb. 29, 2024, they were charged with killing L. L.

Hamber, 46 years old, and Cooney, 44 years old, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for L. L., as well as not guilty to confinement, assault with a weapon and failing to provide necessities for J. L.

Their trial by judge alone began in mid-September under Justice Clayton Conlan at Ontario Superior Court in Milton.

Over seven months of proceedings have seen dozens of witnesses testify including social service workers, health professionals, educators and police officers. Hamber and Cooney also took the stand along with J. L., now aged 14. Evidence presented includes thousands of deleted text messages accessed by police as well as hours of audio recordings and hundreds of images from security cameras used by the women to monitor the boys.

Witness testimony concluded on Jan. 23 when Conlan described the trial as “lengthy and difficult.” Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday and will continue on March 27.

Here’s more about what has transpired during this case so far.

L. L. is shown in this image with his face blurred to protect his identity as required under a publication ban. (Name withheld)

L. L. weighed just 48 pounds days before he died

L. L.’s physical and mental health have been central topics during the trial.

His therapist Dr. Shelinderjit Dhaliwal testified that she urged Cooney and Hamber multiple times to take L. L. to an emergency room but they refused each time.

If they’d listened then “We wouldn’t be going through this and the boy would be alive,” Dhaliwal stated in October.

Records from a doctor’s appointment eight days prior show L. L.’s weight at only 48 pounds while he stood about four feet five inches tall. Dr. Emma Cory-an expert witness pediatrician-testified that he would have been smaller than over 99.99 percent of children his age while showing clear signs of malnutrition.

Hamber and Cooney did not take L. L. for medical help then either.

L. L. is shown on Aug. 22, 2022 in the kitchen where he lived with Cooney and Hamber. Hamber testified that he suffered from a syndrome causing him to re-swallow regurgitated food.(Ontario Superior Court in Milton)

A doctor named Dr. Nora Labib who worked at the hospital emergency department when L. L passed away noted that he resembled a six-year-old child with “almost no muscle on his body; just skin and bone.”

Hamber and Cooney claimed they believed L. L. to have an eating disorder-though it was never formally diagnosed-and said he frequently vomited after eating food provided at meals they photographed for Instagram as healthy options.

The way these women fed both brothers has also faced scrutiny.

J. L. testified that eventually he was only given pureed food while living with them. The defense argued that this approach stemmed from advice given by a child therapist aimed at helping them handle trauma , though Bovingdon-the therapist-stated she never recommended such methods consistently.

Co-accused claim boys exhibited violent behaviors

Cooney alongside Hamber asserted that significant behavioral issues affected both boys , including self-harm tendencies , violent outbursts , along tantrums lasting several hours.

The Crown countered those claims noting instances where injuries reported by Hamber weren’t documented properly. She explained being too busy except for one urgent-care visit related incident.

Dr. Alan Brown-a psychiatrist specializing in children-who treated L. L confirmed suspicions regarding potential disorders like disruptive mood dysregulation disorder , PTSD , reactive attachment disorder along ADHD without observing any extreme behavior during visits.

Wetsuits & zip-ties used for controlling brothers

The prospective adoptive mothers expressed love toward both children yet admitted lacking guidance/support necessary from aid services or medical professionals concerning safety protocols meant towards ensuring their wellbeing.

Testimony revealed unconventional control methods employed included zip-tying both boys into wetsuits while locking them inside rooms over prolonged periods. Justifications provided were aimed at preventing harm inflicted upon themselves or damage done within property areas. The women stated these practices received acknowledgment from children’s aid authorities involved directly.

The Crown maintained assertions indicating concealment through isolating youngsters leading restrictions regarding access between community members especially preventing private meetings held jointly alongside health practitioners/social workers alike.

L. L appears seated within bedroom wearing wetsuit seen here dated March19th regarding court proceedings highlighting mirror placed against wall during questioning sessions.(Ontario Superior Court in Milton)

Text messages raise concerns over couple’s language about boys

The evidence presented raised concerns surrounding text exchanges shared among two women referencing their feelings toward these children often scrutinized closely throughout trial hearings.

Hamber conveyed how comments made via text – such phrases stating “Drown em in their poo” or asking “Is it wrong wanting my child gone?” – derived purely out dark humor stemming frustration rather than malice.</

Recovered deleted conversations showed usage terms like “loser” along “it” directed towards younger siblings invoking additional controversies overall.</

While admitting shame surrounding message content exchanged regularly over years between spouses stated clearly feeling hatred solely towards behaviors displayed rather than individuals themselves.</

Cooney stands beside J. L alongside her spouse capturing moments shared together amidst happiness recalled vividly back dated Oct24th showcasing closeness felt (Ontario Superior Court Milto n )

Both deny involvement leading up until fatal incidentCrown maintains narrative indicating fateful night occurred witnessed actions wherein monitoring footage captured events showing shocked state experienced witnessing son shivering locked away found later appearing confused unsteady legs suggestive hypothermic symptoms arose needing immediate attention turned heat higher attempts warming utilizing outdoor hot tub transporting him using sled which investigators discovered post-event before finally bringing indoors soaked wet condition altogether.</

In contrast both ladies denied participating whatsoever nor owning equipment mentioned earlier.</

When asked how long could pass until breathing ceased altogether Kelli Frew-the prosecutor informed Hammery indicating panic struck followed immediately reaching out calling911 simultaneously covering hot tub knowing consequences ahead should revelations emerge revealing negligence became apparent regarding treatment rendered upon child victim concerned deeply overall situation endured throughout final days spent alive ! Both ladies firmly reject involvement harming/killing LL sharing responsibility instead watching each other doing likewise present witnessed acts occurring there entirely !</

After closing arguments are submitted conclusive decision awaits Judge Conlan expected outcome forthcoming sometime later spring season approaching closely approaching us soon thereafter indeed!</

If you’re affected by this report, you can look for mental health support through resources available within province/territory near yourself. If you find yourself facing danger call911 immediately!</

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