In Ontario, a disturbing trial is ongoing where two women, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber from Burlington, have pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of a 12-year-old boy they were planning to adopt. Additionally, they face charges of confinement, assault with zip ties, and failure to provide necessities for the boy’s younger brother.
The boy, known as L.L., passed away on December 21, 2022, and his younger brother, J.L., is under a publication ban for protection. The cause of L.L.’s death has not been determined yet. The trial, presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan, commenced last month in Superior Court in Milton with Crown attorney Kelli Frew presenting the case.
The boys were initially placed with Cooney and Hamber in 2017 by the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) from their foster home in Ottawa. Despite not being fully approved by CAS, the women received financial assistance through an adoption program. The boys remained wards of Ottawa CAS under the supervision of Halton CAS.
Allegations suggest that Cooney and Hamber subjected the boys to abuse and neglect, including confinement, surveillance, and restricting food. Concerns were raised by individuals in the boys’ lives, but they remained in the care of the accused. Tragically, L.L. was found unresponsive in a basement room and later passed away in the hospital with severe hypothermia.
Heather Walsh, a crucial witness, shared details about the boys’ challenging behaviors and the lack of counseling provided by CAS. She mentioned advocating for psychological help, which was denied, and expressed her belief that the boys could have thrived with the right family. The defense questioned Walsh about the boys’ behavior and their reluctance to live with Cooney and Hamber.
The trial continues to uncover harrowing details of the treatment endured by the boys, shedding light on the tragic outcome that has left a community in shock.