Key Takeaways
- Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, a couple from Burlington, Ontario, are on trial for first-degree murder and other charges related to the death of a 12-year-old boy, L.L., who was in their care.
- The couple had been trying to adopt L.L. and his younger brother, J.L., and had referred to themselves as "jailers" of the boys.
- The trial has heard evidence of the couple’s alleged abuse and neglect of the boys, including restricting their freedoms, using zip ties to confine them, and denying them basic necessities like food and access to the washroom.
- The defence argues that the couple did their best to care for the boys, who had high needs and significant behavioural problems, but the Crown argues that the couple’s actions were a form of abuse and neglect.
Introduction to the Trial
The trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney began in mid-September in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The couple has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges related to the death of L.L., who died on December 21, 2022. The trial has heard evidence from various witnesses, including first responders, medical experts, teachers, therapists, and J.L. himself. The Crown argues that Hamber and Cooney abused and neglected the Indigenous children, while the defence argues that the couple did their best to care for the boys with high needs and significant behavioural problems.
Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
The trial has heard evidence of the couple’s alleged abuse and neglect of the boys. In one recording, the women can be heard scolding L.L. for "peeing and pooping" himself, and telling him that he was "choosing" to do so in a misguided attempt to get what he wanted. The women also referred to themselves as "jailers" of the boys, with Cooney referring to her father as "Officer Cooney" in December 2020. The trial has also heard evidence of the couple’s use of zip ties to confine the boys, and their denial of basic necessities like food and access to the washroom.
Recordings and Text Messages
The trial has heard several recordings and text messages that appear to show the couple’s abusive and neglectful behaviour towards the boys. In one recording, the women can be heard telling L.L. that he was "worthy of love and happiness," but needed to trust the couple knew what was best for him. However, the women also made demeaning comments about the boys, calling them "losers" and "whiners." The trial has also heard evidence of the couple’s use of pureed food and diapers for the boys, and their restriction of the boys’ freedoms as a form of behavioural consequence.
Defence Arguments
The defence argues that the couple did their best to care for the boys, who had high needs and significant behavioural problems. The defence claims that the couple’s use of zip ties and confinement was necessary to keep the boys from running away or hurting themselves. However, the Crown argues that the couple’s actions were a form of abuse and neglect, and that they failed to provide the boys with the necessary care and support.
Trial Updates
The trial is expected to continue until at least mid-December. The Crown has presented evidence from various witnesses, including J.L. himself, who testified that the couple’s allegations of abuse against their previous foster family were never true and that he had been instructed to repeat them by Hamber and Cooney. The trial has also heard evidence from medical experts, who testified that L.L. was severely malnourished in the days before he died. The defence is expected to present its case in the coming weeks, and the judge will ultimately decide the couple’s fate.
Conclusion
The trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney has heard disturbing evidence of the couple’s alleged abuse and neglect of two Indigenous boys. The Crown argues that the couple’s actions were a form of abuse and neglect, while the defence argues that the couple did their best to care for the boys with high needs and significant behavioural problems. As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the judge will rule in this case, and what consequences the couple will face if found guilty.