New Evidence in Ontario Couple’s Murder Trial

WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse.

Brandy Cooney maintains that she and her wife never punished the two boys they cared for by withholding food, but text messages exchanged between the couple suggest otherwise, according to the Crown on Wednesday at their murder trial in Milton, Ont.

For a third day, Cooney faced questions about how she and Becky Hamber treated the brothers they intended to adopt before the older boy’s death on December 21, 2022.

The 12-year-old was discovered emaciated and unresponsive on his basement bedroom floor that night and later passed away in hospital. He had not gained any weight since he was six years old and had stopped growing, as presented in court.

Cooney and Hamber from Burlington are facing charges of first-degree murder along with confinement, assault with a weapon – using zip ties – and failing to provide necessary care for his younger brother.

The two women were attempting to adopt the brothers. They’ve pleaded not guilty to all accusations against them.

CBC Hamilton refers to the 12-year-old as L. L. and his younger sibling as J. L., who is now 13, because of a publication ban protecting the identities of these Indigenous boys.

A key point during this trial, which began mid-September in Superior Court, has been why L. L. experienced such severe malnourishment during his last year alive. A pathologist previously testified that malnutrition could have led to or contributed to his death.

L. L. is shown in Cooney’s and Hamber’s kitchen on Aug. 22, 2022. CBC has blurred his face to protect his identity. (Ontario Superior Court in Milton)

In 2022, Cooney and Hamber informed various individuals including Children’s Aid Society (CAS) workers as well as doctors and therapists that L. L. had an eating disorder where he would regurgitate food only to swallow it again.

However, when asked by assistant Crown attorney Monica Mac Kenzie about this matter, Cooney also admitted that L. L. had vomited at least 30 times between June and November.

“Surely, you sought medical attention or help for [L. L.] when you were seeing him vomit?” Mac Kenzie questioned.

“We did not take him to the family doctor,” Cooney replied.

“To the emergency department?” asked Mac Kenzie again.

“No,” Cooney answered back.

“You didn’t seek medical attention at all?” Mac Kenzie pressed further.

“No,” said the accused firmly.

Accused denies claims of insufficient feeding

The defense attorneys for Cooney and Hamber argue that L. L. and J. L.’s unhealthy relationship with food stemmed from past trauma; they claim if given access to food, he would steal it or binge eat instead of eating regularly.

The court heard that’s why both women locked kitchen cupboard doors and controlled when meals were served along with how much food was provided during those times.

“I’m going to suggest to you that [L. L.] lost so much weight due to you and Ms. Hamber not providing sufficient meals while withholding food from him,” asked Mac Kenzie.

“Incorrect,” replied Cooney while stating they always gave “an adequate amount of food” for both boys.

Nonetheless, she acknowledged feeling “frustrated” whenever the boys claimed hunger or consumed all their packed lunches before lunchtime at school hours earlier than expected.

“Did it at least cross your mind when you heard the boys were … still hungry at school that you weren’t sending enough?” Mac Kenzie queried.

“No,” responded Cooney.

The couple instructed school staff not allow any extra food outside what was sent by them; they even used zip ties on lunchboxes instructing staff only cut them open during designated lunchtime breaks.

‘Lost access to food and lost control’ 

This situation continued into early 2020 amid COVID-19 lockdowns when both children remained home consistently over subsequent years alongside social distancing measures taken nationally.

Diving into social media platforms like Instagram throughout late-2021 until prior incidents occurred involving her household dynamics surrounding mealtimes-Hamber often shared images depicting healthy recipes under hashtags like “#traumamomsforthewin.”
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Bearing witness firsthand through testimony given earlier within proceedings held inside courtroom settings-J. L.’s account revealed distinctively contrasting experiences asserting he wasn’t allowed consumption beyond pureed foods leading up until his brother’s tragic demise..

Evidently showcased evidence submitted toward jury members included ten specific instances occurring between years spanning from ’20 through ’22 documenting conversations wherein either individual discussed taking away/or denying sustenance allocation directed towards kids involved here-L.&J…Hamber appeared visibly distressed located inside prisoner box alongside legal counsel Monte Mac Gregor addressing witness-Cooney positioned nearby present before Justice Clayton Conlan.(Pam Davies/CBC)

Tethered almost constantly via communication channels even upon residing within same dwelling observed across respective text threads recovered posthumously containing around eight-thousand pages’ worth seized moments followed extensive forensic analyses undertaken collaboratively between law enforcement agencies tasked investigating situation...<p. On Christmas Eve marking festive celebrations taking place back-to-back enduring difficult circumstances found herself texting regarding exercise routines assigned unto young men residing there...

“Tell them good luck figuring out burpees in showers when they complain about never having enough!” said one message relayed among others documented near December holidays approaching...<p. Moving ahead towards March eleventh next year concerning upcoming annual reporting date thereafter -Cooneys noted query emerged sounding something akin : ”Can I just not feed at all?” quickly eliciting response back stating ,” No meal unless calm…” clarifying conditions put forth therein preceding engagements revolving around expectations placed upon subjects involved pertaining meal schedule decisions likewise…the following month indicated slight shift indicating need arise directing matters accordingly prompting reminder emphasizing proper nourishment considered essential highlighting stark realities afflicting families confronting challenges such situations faced frequently over recent periods leading toward potential recovery outcomes anticipated amongst those struggling through difficulties associated tragedies endured previously mentioned events triggering aftershocks felt throughout community networks intertwined closely linked together many similar scenarios unfolding worldwide encompassing broader discussions emerging today surrounding equity awareness issues we must confront head-on every single day moving forward together united standing tall despite obstacles encountered!.</