In a murder trial in Milton, a psychiatrist testified that she had advised a couple in Burlington, Ont., to take their 12-year-old adopted son to the emergency room multiple times before his death in 2022, but they declined. Dr. Shelinderjit Dhaliwal, the boy’s psychiatrist, expressed that had the family sought emergency medical care, the tragic outcome could have been prevented.
The accused, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber, face charges of first-degree murder in the death of the boy, identified as L.L., and neglect towards his younger brother, J.L. Additionally, they are charged with confinement, assault using zip ties, and failure to provide basic necessities to J.L., to which they have entered not guilty pleas.
The trial, which began recently and is set to continue into December, centers on the circumstances leading to the demise of L.L. and the care provided by Cooney and Hamber, who were fostering the Indigenous brothers placed under the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of Ottawa.
Witnesses at the trial, including medical professionals and therapists, highlighted the boys’ challenging behaviors and health issues. L.L.’s deteriorating condition, including severe malnutrition and stunted growth, was a significant concern leading up to his passing in December.
Dr. Dhaliwal recounted her interactions with L.L., noting his struggles with emotional expression and underlying anxieties. Despite urging Cooney and Hamber to seek immediate medical attention for the boy’s declining health, they chose not to act promptly, citing concerns about the trauma he might face.
Efforts were made to enroll L.L. in an eating disorder clinic, but delays in medical intervention proved fatal. The psychiatrist emphasized the critical need for hospital care, which was repeatedly overlooked by the accused. The failure to prioritize the boy’s physical well-being ultimately led to his tragic demise.
The psychiatrist’s testimony shed light on the neglect and missed opportunities for timely medical intervention that could have potentially saved L.L.’s life. The ongoing trial continues to unravel the circumstances surrounding the boy’s untimely death.
For individuals affected by such distressing news, seeking mental health support from provincial or territorial resources is recommended.