Key Takeaways:
- Brandy Cooney and her wife, Becky Hamber, are on trial for the first-degree murder of a 12-year-old boy in their care, as well as confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life to his younger brother.
- Cooney testified that she loved the boy, but was frustrated with his behavior and the lack of support from the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), therapists, and doctors.
- The boy had an eating disorder and was severely underweight, but Cooney and Hamber did not take him to the emergency room despite his condition.
- The couple used zip ties to confine the boys in wetsuits to prevent them from urinating and defecating in the house, and locked them in their rooms overnight.
- The CAS knew about the use of zip ties, wetsuits, and tents, but Cooney claimed they were trying to keep the boys safe and prevent them from self-harming.
Introduction to the Trial
The trial of Brandy Cooney and her wife, Becky Hamber, began in mid-September, with Cooney taking the witness box to testify about the events leading up to the death of the 12-year-old boy in their care. Cooney and Hamber have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life to the boy’s younger brother. The trial is being held in Milton, Ontario, and is expected to continue in the coming days.
Cooney’s Testimony
Cooney testified that she loved the boy, but was frustrated with his behavior and the lack of support from the CAS, therapists, and doctors. She claimed that the boy had an eating disorder and was severely underweight, but she and Hamber did not take him to the emergency room despite his condition. Cooney also admitted to searching "I hate my child" on her iPad two days before the boy’s death, but claimed she was looking for support from other frustrated parents. She also acknowledged using zip ties to confine the boys in wetsuits to prevent them from urinating and defecating in the house, and locking them in their rooms overnight.
The Boy’s Condition
The boy’s condition was a major concern for Cooney and Hamber, who claimed that he had an eating disorder and was regurgitating his food for comfort. Despite his severe underweight, Cooney and Hamber did not take him to the emergency room, even when he was unable to stand, focus his eyes, or speak coherently. The couple was trying to get the boy into a residential treatment program, but the CAS denied their claim. Cooney claimed that she was hopeful that the boy would get into an eating disorder clinic, but the doctor who saw him did not send him to the hospital despite his condition.
The Use of Restraints
Cooney acknowledged using zip ties to confine the boys in wetsuits, but claimed that it was to prevent them from urinating and defecating in the house. She also claimed that the wetsuits were a "heavy hug" on the boys and were used to prevent them from self-harming. The CAS knew about the use of zip ties, wetsuits, and tents, but Cooney claimed that they were trying to keep the boys safe. The couple also locked the boys in their rooms overnight, but Cooney claimed that it was to prevent them from self-harming and to keep them safe.
The CAS’s Involvement
The CAS was involved in the case, but Cooney claimed that they did not provide enough support to the couple. The CAS knew about the use of zip ties, wetsuits, and tents, but Cooney claimed that they did not do enough to help the couple care for the boys. The couple was trying to get the boy into a residential treatment program, but the CAS denied their claim. Cooney claimed that the CAS was not providing enough support to the couple, and that they were trying to get help for the boys.
Conclusion
The trial of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber is ongoing, with Cooney’s testimony providing a glimpse into the events leading up to the death of the 12-year-old boy in their care. The couple has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life to the boy’s younger brother. The trial is expected to continue in the coming days, with more witnesses and evidence being presented. The case highlights the importance of providing support to families who are caring for children with complex needs, and the need for effective communication and collaboration between social services, therapists, and doctors.