WARNING: This story references allegations of child abuse.
The judge in the trial of a Burlington, Ont., couple found guilty of murder and other offenses related to two brothers in their care was direct about who was at fault: Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney are responsible for the crimes.
In his extensive 300-page ruling released Tuesday, Justice Clayton Conlan also emphasized that the actions or lack thereof by the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) had “zero to do” with Hamber and Cooney’s guilt or innocence, as they had been attempting to adopt the boys for years.
However, many observers believe this case highlights serious concerns regarding the child protection system and reveals systemic problems that need urgent attention.
Sherry Saevil is one individual advocating for a better future for children.
A resident of Halton region in southern Ontario, Saevil is part of an Indigenous advocacy group based in Hamilton called Circle of Beads. Its members were among the first to demand accountability after regional police charged Cooney and Hamber with murder in 2024.
Saevil, who belongs to Mistawasis First Nation, expressed her mixed emotions upon hearing Conlan’s verdicts during a CBC Hamilton interview. In 2024, members of an Indigenous collective gathered outside the Halton Children’s Aid Society building to call for reforms aimed at protecting Indigenous children. (Justin Chandler/CBC)
“My heart sank for that little guy,” Saevil said regarding L. L., the older boy who passed away on Dec. 21, 2022, after being discovered unresponsive and malnourished in a basement bedroom of their home. His brother, J. L., now 14, testified during the trial which commenced mid-September about the abuse they both suffered. Their identities remain protected under a publication ban.
Saevil voiced her frustration toward children’s aid societies responsible for overseeing these boys’ welfare, claiming they “didn’t intervene [and] didn’t supervise appropriately.”
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L. L.’s and J. L.’s former foster mother Heather Walsh (center) was among those wearing orange shirts outside court on Tuesday when the judge delivered his guilty verdicts. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
“Healing is not possible if child welfare does not work alongside its Indigenous community.”
At court on Tuesday , many wore orange shirts as a show of support aimed at improving conditions for Indigenous children.
Ontario couple found guilty of boy’s murder , brother’s tortureJustice Clayton Conlan issued his decision this morning concerning a Burlington , Ont., couple accused of murdering a twelve – year – old boy back in twenty twenty-two while torturing his younger sibling , finding them guilty across all charges. Becky Hamber , forty-six , along with Brandy Cooney , forty-four , had cared for both boys over several years while trying unsuccessfully to adopt them. The identities remain under publication restrictions.
Another advocate focused on child welfare , Cheyanne Ratnam , previously told she seeks a national registry documenting children who’ve died after engagement with child welfare services as part of initiatives designed to identify patterns leading up such tragedies.
“One death is too many if this is supposed to be a system that takes care of every individual taken from their family or community,” remarked Ratnam co-founder at Ontario Children’s Advancement Coalition.
How child services got involved
L. L. and J. L. became part of the child protection system when L. L. was just a toddler due to unspecified concerns regarding their home situation. The boys were relocated from Ottawa to live with Cooney and Hamber in Burlington in 2017 but remained wards of Ottawa CAS while Halton CAS managed daily supervision over them. The trial revealed that Halton CAS received numerous reports from concerned individuals about how Hamber and Cooney treated the boys; however, workers failed to conduct unannounced home visits or interview the boys without Cooney or Hamber present as mandated. Both CAS agencies previously informed CBC that they reviewed their handling of the Cooney-Hamber case and implemented changes following L. L.’s death but haven’t disclosed specific details regarding those changes. On Tuesday, Ottawa CAS declined an request for comments on Conlan’s findings and remarks. Halton CAS also refrained from discussing these rulings but stated it “extends our sincere condolences to the family and Indigenous community following the tragic death of an Indigenous child.” Saevil has long been active in advocating for children’s rights. In September 2024, while speaking with reporters outside Halton CAS she said: “For far too long, Indigenous ways and traditions within child welfare practices have been denied,” making it unsafe for Indigenous children within this system.
Ontario couple found guilty of boy’s murder , brother’s tortureJustice Clayton Conlan issued his decision this morning concerning a Burlington , Ont., couple accused of murdering a twelve – year – old boy back in twenty twenty-two while torturing his younger sibling , finding them guilty across all charges. Becky Hamber , forty-six , along with Brandy Cooney , forty-four , had cared for both boys over several years while trying unsuccessfully to adopt them. The identities remain under publication restrictions.
Another advocate focused on child welfare , Cheyanne Ratnam , previously told she seeks a national registry documenting children who’ve died after engagement with child welfare services as part of initiatives designed to identify patterns leading up such tragedies.
“One death is too many if this is supposed to be a system that takes care of every individual taken from their family or community,” remarked Ratnam co-founder at Ontario Children’s Advancement Coalition.
Boy’s death ‘a series of catastrophic failures’
Saevil wishes there would be major reforms within child welfare systems along with inquiries into L. L.’s death examining how CAS agencies operated throughout this process.Irwin Elman who served as Ontario’s former independent watchdog focusing on child welfare told Monday L. L.’s passing resulted partly from “a series catastrophic failures within our protective system.” Elman observed only provincial coroners possess authority capable calling forth transparent investigations he believes are vital.
In January Stephanie Rea spokesperson representing Ontario Chief Coroner Office communicated through CBC Hamilton stating current circumstances don’t meet requirements necessary triggering mandatory coroner’s inquiries ; nevertheless families could submit requests involving further assessments pending ultimate decisions made by coroner – noting all police probes alongside legal actions including civil suits must conclude prior enabling any inquiries moving forward.
As far concerning Hamber-Cooney case presently there exists ongoing civil lawsuit initiated by biological mother L. L. and J. J against two respective Children ’ s Aid Societies coupled three doctors whom allegedly displayed “callous disregard complete lack concern” toward safety well-being these young boys none claims yet validated court proceedings.
L. L. was just twelve when he tragically passed away discovered unresponsive emaciated inside basement Burlington couple ‘ s residence December twenty twenty-two CBC blurred face protect identity(Name withheld)
Ontario has faced increasing pressure ensure protections provided vulnerable youths.< P In statement issued Monday opposition New Democratic Party urged Conservative government take swift measures bolster both social service childcare frameworks. “Front-line staff working organizations like CAS strive do everything possible unfortunately kids’ well-being depends upon inadequate staffing resources supports resulting years governmental funding cuts,” stated Lisa Gretzky Member Provincial Parliament Windsor West. CBC’s Justin Chandler reported updates related trial surrounding Burlington couple breaking down verdict The Minister Children Community Social Services Michael Parsa addressed journalists outside Queen ’ s Park Toronto emphasizing government “ will ensure” findings audit shared public once completed< P While waiting loved ones closely connected LL. and J. J remain hopeful witnessing necessary changes unfold< P Amongst those impacted include J. J.' s second grade instructor Sara Biasetti recounting four occasions contacted children's aid during school year raising worries concerning domestic situation
“I still feel affected because I’m unsure what else could’ve been done assist these kids,” she remarked following judge announcing decisions outside courtroom “I’m certain similar occurrences affect others similarly yet insufficient action leads change needed.” If you’re affected by this report, you can look mental health support through resources your province territory. If you’re immediate danger fear safety yourself others around you please call 911.
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