WARNING: This story references allegations of child abuse.
An Ontario Superior Court judge has found Burlington couple Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney guilty on all counts related to the death of a 12-year-old boy and the torture of his younger brother, both of whom were under their care.
The judge delivered his decision in Milton court Tuesday morning.
The murder trial for Brandy Cooney, 44, and Becky Hamber, 46, who both pleaded not guilty to all charges, started in mid-September in Milton.
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Justice Clayton Conlan had previously stated he would take about half an hour to read his decision starting at 9 a. m. ET and would later provide a written explanation of his reasoning. He spoke for only a few minutes on Tuesday.
Hamber and Cooney faced charges including first-degree murder for L. L., as well as confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide necessities for J. L.
Conlan ruled that the couple unlawfully confined J. L., failed to meet his basic needs, assaulted him with a weapon and committed “first-degree murder” concerning L. L.
Conlan noted that his ruling was extensive at 300 pages long. He indicated that court would reconvene on May 15 for sentencing.
The Indigenous brothers have been referred to by their initials – L. L., who was 12 years old, and J. L. – as their identities are protected under a standard publication ban.
Couple and Younger Brother Testified
L. L. died after being found wet and malnourished in the basement of their home. The Crown also accused the couple of torturing and confining J. L.
L. L. originally came from the Ottawa area but had lived with Hamber, Cooney, and J. L. since 2017 as the couple aimed to adopt them.
The trial included testimonies from numerous witnesses such as social service workers, health professionals, educators, and police officers.
Hamber, Cooney, and J. L., now aged 14, testified over several days. Evidence presented included thousands of deleted text messages accessed by police along with hours of audio recordings and hundreds of images from security cameras that monitored the boys.</
The Crown argued that Hamber and Cooney displayed hatred towards the brothers based on text messages where they used vulgar language about them. In her closing argument, lawyer Kelli Frew stated that they “abused, tortured and starved these boys.”
She argued that they isolated the boys from community support services while L. L.’s health deteriorated until he ultimately died from malnutrition or hypothermia.
In October’s hearing; Ontario’s deputy chief forensic pathologist testified stating that while he couldn’t determine an exact cause of death during L. L.’s autopsy; he could not rule out possibilities like hypothermia or cardiac arrest due to severe malnourishment.
L. L. was just 12 when he was found unresponsive in the basement of his adoptive parents’ home on Dec. 21, 2022.(Name withheld)
The defense maintained that neither woman intended harm towards the boys; claiming they tried their best given inadequate guidance from Children’s Aid Society staff.
Kimm Edward; attorney for Cooney admitted during closing arguments; her client “probably” should’ve taken L. L. to hospital immediately after he passed away but didn’t do so claiming if they’d wanted him gone there wouldn’t have been any reason calling911when help was needed.
Macon Mac Gregor representing Hamber characterizedthe brothersas “broken” asserting howthey exhibitedviolentoutbursts harming themselves too saying parenting tactics such astyingthemtowetsuitswere“questionable,” yet social workers were awareofthese practices too
Both attorneys suggested L. L. most likelydiedfroman electrolyte imbalance causedbyarareeating disorder.
WATCH | Advocates say trial raises questions about child protection system:
Closing arguments start in caseof Ontario boy allegedly killedbycouple tryingtoadopthim p >Closing argumentsare underwayin thenotorious caseagainst two prospective adoptive parents facingchargesincludingfirst-degreemurderandothers. The Milton incident has sparked discussionson why thesechildren remainedintheircare despite alarming signals raisedbyprofessionals aroundthem. clearly advocates are demandingimmediatechangesforchild welfare systems
‘Healing Is Not Over’
Last week, L. L.’sbio mom sharedan emotional statementwith CBCHamiltonhighlightinghowimportantitwasforpeopleunderstandher familyis “not justa caseorstory.” P >
“Wewant everyone remember L. forthewhohewasonbeyondthis tragedy. He matteredandhis lifehad meaning.” p >
She expressedthat”healingisnotoverforfamiliesaftercourtends.” P >
“L. doesn’tgetto grow up, havingfriendsgraduating, sunnydaysenjoyingsunsets. J. andhis siblingsmustnowgrowupwithouttheirolderbrother.” P >
If you’re affectedby this report, youcan seekmentalhealthsupportthroughavailable resourcesinyour province orterritory. If youfind yourselfin dangeror fearforyoursafetyorothers’, pleasecall911.”
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