In a trial involving two women from Burlington, Ontario, who are facing charges related to the death of a 12-year-old boy in their care, various professionals have testified about the mental health treatment of the child and his younger sibling. The social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, and service co-ordinator described how Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber struggled to care for the boys, believed to have experienced trauma, and sought additional support. Testimonies revealed concerns about the children’s well-being, with one worker noting “yellow flags” regarding their care.
Referred to as L.L., the older boy passed away in December 2022 while Cooney and Hamber were in the process of adopting him and his brother, J.L. The women have pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon (zip ties), and failure to provide essentials to J.L. The trial, presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan in Milton, began last month and is expected to continue into December.
The prosecution has alleged that Cooney and Hamber mistreated and neglected the boys, alleging that they locked them up, limited their food intake, and used zip ties to control them. First responders found L.L. in critical condition on the night he stopped breathing, with reports of severe malnourishment. However, the autopsy did not determine the cause of death.
During the trial, social worker Stefanie Peachey testified about her interactions with the boys and the accused, expressing concerns about the negative narrative surrounding the children. She mentioned that she never witnessed the behaviors reported by the couple, raising questions about the accuracy of their claims. Despite disagreements towards the end of their relationship, Peachey acknowledged that Cooney and Hamber sought support for the boys.
Additionally, Dr. Alan Brown, a psychiatrist, testified about L.L.’s mental health conditions and the care he received. Brown highlighted the various disorders L.L. likely had and discussed the recommendations for his treatment. He noted the challenges faced by Cooney and Hamber in managing L.L.’s behavior and emphasized the importance of providing appropriate support.
The defense has argued that the accused were attempting to care for the brothers, citing the boys’ challenging behaviors and traumatic past. They questioned witnesses about the efforts made by Cooney and Hamber to seek help and support for the children. Despite differing perspectives and concerns, testimonies from various professionals indicated that the women were actively looking for assistance in caring for the boys.