WARNING: This story references details of child abuse.
An Ontario couple found guilty of murdering a 12-year-old boy and abusing his younger brother while the children were under their care for several years will receive their sentences on July 3 in Milton.
Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan scheduled the sentencing for Brandy Cooney, 44, and Becky Hamber, 46, at 10 a. m. ET, as announced by Justice Kendra Coats during a court hearing on Friday.
Both Hamber and Cooney appeared via Zoom from the Vanier Centre for Women, where they are currently held.
The couple did not speak during the court session. They had entered not guilty pleas during the trial that began in September.
Conlan also ruled that Hamber and Cooney were guilty of assaulting, confining, and neglecting another child they had been trying to adopt.
CBC has referred to the Indigenous brothers from Ottawa using initials L. L. and J. L., as their identities are protected under a standard publication ban.
According to Conlan’s decisions, Cooney and Hamber “hated the boys.” He noted that they “deeply resented them having come into their lives and not having turned out to be what was expected.”
He stated they kept L. L. confined in a “dungeon-like bedroom” where he deteriorated until his death in December 2022, indicating an intention to kill him.
“He should be remembered for more than this.”
A first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.
LISTEN | What the judge decided:
Ottawa Morning9:47Guilty verdict in Milton trial on death of Ottawa boy
CBC’s Justin Chandler has been covering the trial of the Burlington couple and breaks down the verdict.
L. L. and J. L. lived with Hamber and Cooney as their prospective adoptive parents for about five years starting in 2017.
Just days after L. L.’s death, Children’s Aid Society took J. L. from them. On January 17, 2023, Halton police arrested both women on assault charges. On February 29, 2024, they were charged with killing L. L.
The judge-alone trial included testimony from 48 witnesses with a total of 209 exhibits presented as noted by Conlan in his decisions.
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Texts important in judge’s decisions
Conlan mentioned that he based much of his decision on text messages exchanged between Cooney, Hamber, and Cooney’s father (who lived with them), along with J. L.’s testimony, input from medical professionals who treated L. L., post-mortem findings, expert witness opinions, as well as testimonies given by Hamber and Cooney themselves. LISTEN | Trial sparked conversations about child welfare system: Ontario Today51:38What needs to be fixed in Ontario’s child welfare systemAfter two Burlington women were found guilty of murdering a young boy while torturing his brother who was also under their care; we hear insights from Irwin Elman-former child advocate-and Mel Barnett-a Children’s Aid Society worker. Outside the courthouse following Conlan’s ruling; Heather Walsh-who was the brothers’ long-time foster mother-told reporters that “L. L. was such a freedom fighter and justice was so important to him that this would be everything for him and for J. L. as well.” In response to Conlan’s decisions; L. L.’s biological mother expressed gratitude towards Conlan; court staff; Crown attorneys; along with defense counsel for their efforts. “Justice has been rendered and the trial is over. But for our family this [is] our life. And the horrific nightmare that began long ago will forever now be etched in many memories,” she said. “This verdict does not bring our child back to us but it does help us move forward.” CBC Hamilton received her statement through her lawyer regarding separate civil matters; thus her name remains undisclosed due to publication bans protecting her sons’ identities. If you’re affected by this report you can seek mental health support through resources available within your province or territory. If you’re facing immediate danger or fear for your safety or others please call 911.Source link
