A 12-year-old boy passed away in a Burlington home just days before Christmas in 2022.
On Tuesday, his would-be adoptive parents are facing trial for first-degree murder.
Brandy Cooney from Hamilton and Becky Hamber from Burlington have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessities of life.
A publication ban is in effect to protect the identity of the surviving younger brother.
In a Milton courtroom, the boys’ former foster mother testified as a witness.
WATCH MORE: Prospective parents charged in murder of young Burlington boy in 2022
She stated that she had cared for the brothers since they were toddlers for almost five years.
Knowing they had special needs, she warned children’s aid and the two accused that any future caregivers would require additional support.
She described the older boy as intelligent and charming but sometimes prone to violent outbursts.
Saying he could be aggressive, she recounted how he once stabbed another child with a pencil, attempted to hurt pets, and even killed and mutilated a snake on one occasion.
Despite her warnings to Cooney and Hamber, the former foster mother told the court that they didn’t take her concerns seriously and seemed confident that they could manage the issues on their own.
While most of the morning focused on the older brother’s behavioral challenges, she made it clear that these were just children; if he had been adopted by another family, she believes he would still be alive today.
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