Burlington Couple Gets Life Sentence for Boy’s Death

The family of an Indigenous boy, who was tragically killed by two women from Burlington, Ont., while under their care, shared painful victim impact statements in a charged courtroom on Friday as the judge sentenced the pair to life in prison.

Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney were convicted in early May of first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 12-year-old boy, as well as unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide necessary care for his younger brother.

The couple, wearing long-sleeved green shirts, sat at opposite sides of the prisoner’s box. Their faces were mostly concealed behind blue medical masks as the judge imposed the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder without eligibility for parole for 25 years.

The mother of the boys expressed to the Milton, Ont., court that her son’s death marked “the darkest night” of her soul and that their family’s life will always be separated into before and after his murder.

Story continues below

Hamber and Cooney took in both boys-who cannot be named due to a publication ban-in fall 2017 and aimed to adopt them.

Five years later, the older boy had become so emaciated that first responders doubted his age when he died in their basement. His brother was removed by child welfare services and later testified at trial about years of abuse they suffered at the hands of the couple.

The younger boy recounted during testimony how he was confined to his room for extended periods and sometimes went days without food. Court documents revealed he described being forced to wear a wetsuit that was secured around his feet with zip ties, resulting in deep cuts on his feet.

In his written decision, Ontario Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan noted that Hamber and Cooney harbored hatred and resentment towards the children because “they came into their lives and did not meet expectations.”

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories.

The boys’ mother-who also cannot be identified-said losing her resilient son who loved reading and food “follows me into every moment of my life.”

“There is an empty place in our family that can never be filled,” she said in court on Friday. “Every birthday, holiday, family gathering, and ordinary day reminds me that (my son) should be with us.”

Story continues below

The murdered boy’s brother now suffers from trauma and confusion “at an age when children should feel safe,” she stated.

He also provided a victim impact statement during which he explained how he’s experienced anxious sleepless nights. He added that watching recordings of what they endured during trial made him feel “very sad and angry.”

He remarked that he will never play baseball with his brother again.

“I won’t be able to see him or talk to him ever again,” he said. “Living with Becky and Brandy was horrible; it should have never happened.”

A statement read by prosecutors included remarks from their grandmother who expressed growing fears over her grandchildren’s safety leading up to this tragedy while warning Children’s Aid Society but receiving no response.

“No matter how many times I tried telling CAS workers about my concerns, my grandson remained with those monsters,” she said.

“It was agonizing seeing his tiny body in this child-sized coffin. It looked unrecognizable; there’s no way it resembled the vibrant 12-year-old he used to be,” added their grandmother.

“They had to pad his little body with newspaper because he was just skin and bones.”

Story continues below

Mournful members from their school community along with Indigenous groups spoke before the court one by one. Many struggled through tears describing kind-hearted young boys who became more isolated over time.

Court heard accounts from first responders, teachers, and Indigenous community workers traumatized by this tragic event; some have left their jobs or taken medical leave due to its impact on them.

The women’s attorneys claimed during trial that they had no intent of harming the children despite acknowledging significant behavioral issues present within them.

The women defended themselves during sentencing claiming they were good foster mothers wrongfully accused. However, Judge Conlan stated their “moral blameworthiness” is “as high as could possibly be imagined,” given their prolonged abuse extinguished a young life.

An Indigenous elder named Florence Hiltz remarked on behalf of Ottawa’s community where these boys once lived saying this “brutal end” has left everyone frightened.

“We fear for every child taken out from our communities needing trust placed within systems meant for protection,” she mentioned.

 
Hiltz shared fond memories playing computer games alongside one boy still stuck at a level they’d yet been unable beat together – forever untouched.

 
She still feels connected seeing signs reminiscent through light streaming down stained-glass windows illuminating both casket & service held on such solemn occasion – even witnessing eagles outside courtroom ahead sentencing hearing

 
With this light & energy moving forward aimed towards crucial changes needed ensuring better futures vulnerable ones like these kids,we must do better!
Before officers led Hamber & Cooney away bound up together handcuffed Judge reminded all present though case concludes murdered child would live forever among us indicating sibling’s journey beginning anew.

His grieving mother hopes son will echo remembered not solely based off tragic ending rather shining brightly throughout living moments stating“He was truly strong!”.

“It filled me immense pride raising you gifting bright spark into existence,” she continued feeling emotional weight“All I gave you simply name while you gifted entire universe.”

Source link