WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse.
A shocking trial in Ontario has two women pleading not guilty to first-degree murder charges concerning a 12-year-old boy they intended to adopt.
Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber, who live in Burlington, are also facing charges related to confinement, assault with a weapon – zip ties – and neglecting the needs of the boy’s younger brother.
The deceased boy, referred to as L. L. in court due to a publication ban meant to protect his brother’s identity, is known as J. L. The specific cause of L. L.’s death hasn’t yet been confirmed in court.
This judge-only trial started last month at Superior Court in Milton under Justice Clayton Conlan, with Crown attorney Kelli Frew delivering the opening statement.
“Brothers [L. L. and J. L.] needed a forever home where they’d be appreciated, loved and taken care of,” said the lawyer. “Instead, they were placed with the accused parties, where they came to be despised, deprived and abused.”
The defense attorneys for Cooney and Hamber did not provide opening statements.
“The older brother was an enthusiastic little guy,” described Walsh even though his speech development lagged behind his peers; his dental issues caused him discomfort due too decaying teeth which needed extensive repairs.
“He displayed clear intelligence,” Walsh noted adding that by age six he managed reading novels independently.
However,he also exhibited aggressive behaviors such as hitting or biting teachers as well as other kids at daycare;sometimes even treating his younger brother roughly intentionally she recalled.
During one camping trip,L. L harmeda snake which raised alarms about how he might interact around family pets like fish or rats.
Court heard instances where L. L threatened violence against Walsh’s family too.
“I fought hard advocating psychological counseling throughout our time together but CAS repeatedly turned down my requests,” stated Walsh expressing her affection towards both children while aiming at preventing further disruptions from shifting foster homes.
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An attachment therapist eventually worked with them leading up until their adoption after moving together.
By Grade One completion , before joining Cooney & ; Hamber households , “L”. was doing significantly better”notes Walsh.
J.”was quiet yet smart , passionate about sports especially soccer ,”she added noting changes took place once summer hit following announcement regarding leaving her home towards Burlington residence.
Initial Foster Care Situation
The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) transferred the Indigenous boys from their long-term foster home in Ottawa to live with Cooney and Hamber in Burlington back in October 2017, according to an agreed statement of facts. Both women were potential adoptive parents but had not been fully approved by CAS. They received financial support through a provincial adoption program for taking care of the boys. The boys remained wards of Ottawa CAS while being supervised by Halton CAS during this time. L. L., left, was 16 months older than J. L., as stated in court. They’re shown in a photo from years earlier. (Ontario Superior Court in Milton) The older boy was six years old when he moved into Cooney and Hamber’s home; he was about two years older than J. L. The Crown claims that during their stay there, both boys faced abuse and neglect. The Crown alleges that Cooney and Hamber confined the boys to their rooms, monitored them using cameras, forced them into wetsuits, zip-tied their clothing and shoes which caused injuries while limiting food intake and making them exercise excessively. People involved in the boys’ lives – including a therapist and teacher – noticed warning signs and expressed concerns by alerting CAS; however, Frew mentioned that the boys stayed under Cooney’s and Hamber’s care for several years. On December 21, 2022, Hamber called emergency services reporting that L. L. had stopped breathing according to Frew’s statements. Many first responders who arrived believed that the small “emaciated” child lying on the floor of a cramped basement room appeared around six years old said Frew. In fact, he was actually 12 years old. L. L. was found unresponsive on a wet floor “left to die,” claimed Frew. A camera was positioned at one corner of the room while a lock secured the door from outside. The only items present were a small mesh cot and trash can according to her account. He was quickly transported to hospital displaying hypothermic symptoms but unfortunately died shortly afterward. Frew mentioned that there was “clear hatred” from both women towards L. L., particularly directed at him alone.The defense attorneys for Cooney and Hamber did not provide opening statements.
Counseling Denied for Boys Claims Foster Mother
A key witness for the Crown was Heather Walsh who along with her husband began fostering L. L when he was just two years old while J. L. came into their care at eleven months old after concerns arose regarding their biological parents’ environment. The children had previously lived with grandparents prior to this arrangement.“The older brother was an enthusiastic little guy,” described Walsh even though his speech development lagged behind his peers; his dental issues caused him discomfort due too decaying teeth which needed extensive repairs.
“He displayed clear intelligence,” Walsh noted adding that by age six he managed reading novels independently.
However,he also exhibited aggressive behaviors such as hitting or biting teachers as well as other kids at daycare;sometimes even treating his younger brother roughly intentionally she recalled.
During one camping trip,L. L harmeda snake which raised alarms about how he might interact around family pets like fish or rats.
Court heard instances where L. L threatened violence against Walsh’s family too.
“I fought hard advocating psychological counseling throughout our time together but CAS repeatedly turned down my requests,” stated Walsh expressing her affection towards both children while aiming at preventing further disruptions from shifting foster homes.
Cross-Examination Focuses on Behavior Issues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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