Two women from Burlington have been found guilty of murdering a 12-year-old boy who was in their care, as well as unlawfully confining his younger brother.
Justice Conlan announced the verdict in a Milton, Ont. courtroom on Tuesday morning just after 9 a. m., stating that the women were “guilty on all counts.” He emphasized that evidence indicated Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber “loathed and hated” the child they were supposed to protect and had the intent to kill him.
The judge mentioned that the reasons behind his decision are about 300 pages long but opted only to read out the conclusion.
The boy passed away in December 2022 after suffering from starvation and being locked in a basement room.
First responders reported finding him emaciated, saying he was so “razor-thin” it was hard to believe he was actually 12 years old. Medical professionals and investigators involved with the case noted they were deeply affected by the conditions he endured.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed a horrifying pattern of abuse. The boy suffered from malnutrition, was forced to wear a wetsuit at night, urinated in it while bound with zip-ties around his legs, and was belittled by the prospective mothers with names like “douche,” “barfer,” “loser,” “moron,” among other offensive terms.
Justice Conlan dismissed the defense claims made by Cooney and Hamber, calling their testimony “worthless,” “absurd,” and “not reliable.”
The evidence described how the unnamed boy faced severe abuse and neglect until his tragic death.
At one point, the judge stated that an image shows “he is so thin it is hard to describe it in words. His bones are visible all down his backside.”
Justice Conlan concluded with certainty: “I am sure that the accused intended to kill” the child.
WATCH MORE: Crown says Burlington couple tortured, isolated boys in fatal abuse case
The two women were convicted not only of first-degree murder but also of forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide life’s necessities. These charges extend to include abuses inflicted on the younger brother who survived this ordeal and has since been removed from their home.
This case has drawn significant criticism toward Ontario’s child welfare system.
Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, referred to details of this case as “deeply troubling” but chose not to comment further due to potential appeals. He mentioned efforts are underway for improving child welfare across Ontario.
Members of Indigenous communities feel that this system failed these children who were Indigenous. Local artist Amber Kakiishiway expressed that outcomes might have varied if community involvement had occurred earlier.
“These children were traumatized,” Kakiishiway said. “We have aunties, we have uncles, we have elders who are more than willing to help; however I don’t believe they were involved at all.”
Kakiishiway added there should be accountability within children’s services for systemic failures allowing such abuse to persist. The younger brother has had no contact with either woman since being rescued.
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