Mother Speaks Out Before Trial Verdict in Boy’s Case

WARNING: This story references allegations of child abuse.

Since September, two women from Burlington, Ont., have been on trial for the murder of a 12-year-old boy they were attempting to adopt.

The case – described by the judge as “lengthy and difficult” – has heard from many witnesses, but only one person from the child’s biological family: his brother, who lived with him before his death, testified over several days in November.

For the first time, L. L. and J. L.’s mother shared her thoughts with CBC Hamilton. She wants people to know her family is “not just a case or story.”

“We are real people, a family who has lived through heartbreak,” she stated in an emailed media statement sent to CBC Hamilton through her lawyer as part of a separate civil lawsuit.

“We want everyone to remember L. for L. beyond this tragedy. He mattered and his life had meaning,” said the mother.

Trial Decision Expected Tuesday

Becky Hamber, 46, and Brandy Cooney, 44, face charges related to L. L.’s death on December 21, 2022. The Crown also claims they tortured and confined J. L., his younger brother. Both women have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges involving the boys who had been under their care since 2017.

Their trial is taking place in Milton before Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan, who will announce his decision on Tuesday.

is using initials for the Indigenous boys from the Ottawa area due to a standard publication ban on their identities. For the same reason, CBC isn’t naming their mother.

The trial revealed that J. L., now 14 years old, lives with her. In her statement, the boys’ mother mentioned that she and J. L. share “a great relationship.”

“We frequently talk about our memories together and with L before the placement,” she said. “We’ve come together again as a family. Having him home is something we never thought possible after the placement and [it’s] an opportunity we all cherish.”

L. L. is shown in Cooney and Hamber’s kitchen on Aug. 22, 2022. When he died at age 12 that December, he was about the weight he was when he was six years old. (Ontario Superior Court in Milton)

Boys Had Challenges But Were Bright And Polite

A key part of Cooney and Hamber’s defense centers around claims that L. L. and J. L. had serious behavioral issues.

The defense argues they used unconventional methods to prevent harm to themselves or others which included confining them in their basement bedrooms and zip-tying them into wetsuits. They maintain that they never meant to hurt the brothers and that children’s aid workers were aware of their methods.

Throughout the trial, many witnesses including those accused have described positive aspects of the boys’ personalities.

Heather Walsh, their former foster mother stated L. L. was “a very enthusiastic, social little guy,” despite having health problems when they met. She testified he was clearly “very intelligent” having taught himself how to read novels by age six.

Their teachers in Burlington noted they were clever, curious students eager to learn: “They were great and we wanted them there,” J. L.’s Grade 2 teacher Sara Biasetti testified.

Social worker Stefanie Peachey indicated that both siblings were polite kids.

Dr. Alan Brown,a child  and adolescent psychiatrist at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, witnessed  L. L.’s behavior while under care. Browns reported signs indicating disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactive attachment disorder (RAD),  and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).</pp

</Said Brown found no evidence suggesting extreme behavior stating “he seemed quite calm,” composed,” happy,” logical” as well as coherent.” He did not believe he was at risk for self-harm.

Boys ‘Deserve Respect,’ Their Mother Says

“L., J., along with their [siblings] are amazing human beings full of personality,” said their mother.”The L we remember along with his brothers are some of happiest souls around who would take life by storm if given half a chance.”</

She urged everyone reading her words should do so “with compassion” adding her sons deserve “dignity” & “respect.”
“L doesn’t get grow up or have friends or graduate…he can’t feel sunshine or rain or enjoy sunsets.” – The mother continued</ This situation leaves J. and his sibling growing up without someone precious like their older brother.”
On Tuesday , the boys’ mom will find out what happens next regarding Cooney’s & Hamber’s fate. Still she expressed “ healing doesn’t stop just because court concludes”.
“Changes must happen so no more children die due systemic failures”.</pp

Separately , she filed suit against two Children’s Aid Societies , Hamber , Cooney & three doctors. Her claim states defendants acted showing indifference towards life safety wellbeing regarding both boys while none allegations proven yet legal process continues.
The criminal proceedings led critics addressing Ontario’s Child Welfare systems claiming failures occurring across Canada need urgent attention.
WATCH | Advocates Stress Need Changes Within Child Welfare System:

Critics call for change after death of Indigenous boy in foster care

The murder trial concerning couple charged within this tragic event has concluded ; it involved alleged assault confinement neglect targeting younger sibling whose rights should’ve protected throughout five years spent under care awaiting adoption.
Both these children originally belonged wards Ottawa Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Halton CAS handled day-to-day concerns related cases occurring ; thus affecting both youth living there involved.
Both organizations told earlier reviews conducted already however details remain undisclosed concerning any modifications made since discovered issues arising…

‘Bonds Broken Forever’

Saying goodbye seeing your child laid down forever knowing you’ll never hold him again felt unbearable” remarked LL mom through tears.
This heartache echoed loudly among relatives friends educators caregivers community representing indigenous populations too.
“All connections severed permanently…” – If you’re affected by this report , please seek mental health resources available locally contacting appropriate agencies providing support services wherever necessary don’t hesitate seeking help if feelings become overwhelming safety risks arise call emergency numbers immediately such as911.

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