Key Takeaways:
- Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney are on trial for first-degree murder in the death of a 12-year-old boy in their care.
- The couple is also charged with confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life related to the boy’s younger brother.
- Evidence presented in court includes searches on the couple’s electronic devices, including "I hate my child" and "how to define homicide".
- The couple’s text messages and audio recordings reveal a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys in their care.
- The trial is expected to continue until at least mid-January, with the Crown completing its questioning of the lead investigator.
Introduction to the Trial
The trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, two women accused of first-degree murder in the death of a 12-year-old boy in their care, has revealed disturbing evidence of child abuse and neglect. The couple, who were trying to adopt the boy and his younger brother, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial, which began in mid-September, has heard testimony from numerous witnesses, including the lead investigator, Sgt. Julie Powers, who has presented evidence of the couple’s electronic devices, including searches and text messages that reveal a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys.
Evidence of Abuse and Neglect
The court has heard that the couple’s electronic devices contained searches for "I hate my child" and "how to define homicide", as well as text messages and audio recordings that reveal a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys. The couple’s text messages, which were deleted but recovered by police, show that they discussed restraining the children and using vulgar and demeaning language towards them. The audio recordings, which were played in court, reveal the couple berating the boys and using physical force against them. The evidence also shows that the couple failed to provide the boys with proper care and nutrition, with one of the boys being severely malnourished and emaciated at the time of his death.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into the couple’s activities began after the 12-year-old boy was found unresponsive in the basement of their home. Paramedics found the boy soaking wet and lying on the floor, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. The police investigation, led by Sgt. Powers, revealed a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys, and the couple was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life. The couple was first arrested on January 17, 2023, on charges related to the younger boy, and again on February 29, 2024, for the alleged murder of the 12-year-old boy.
Testimony of Sgt. Powers
Sgt. Powers has testified about the evidence found on the couple’s electronic devices, including photos, surveillance video, audio recordings, and text messages. The sergeant has also testified about the couple’s internet search history, which includes searches for "I did not love my adopted child" and "I hate my child". The court has also heard that the couple’s devices contained searches for "how to define culpable homicide, murder and manslaughter" and "crime scene cleanup". Sgt. Powers has also testified about the couple’s text messages, which reveal a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys.
Crown’s Case
The Crown’s case against the couple is based on the evidence presented by Sgt. Powers, as well as testimony from other witnesses, including the younger boy, who is now 13 years old. The Crown argues that the couple abused and neglected the two boys, and that their actions led to the death of the 12-year-old boy. The Crown has also presented evidence of the couple’s lack of concern for the boys’ well-being, including a text message from Cooney to her father, in which she refers to one of the boys as a "loser" and a "dumb brat".
Defense’s Case
The couple’s lawyers have argued that the couple did their best to care for the boys, who had high needs and significant behavioral problems. The lawyers have also argued that the couple received little help from the Children’s Aid Society and service providers. However, the evidence presented in court suggests that the couple’s actions were not those of caring and concerned parents, but rather those of abusive and neglectful caregivers.
Conclusion
The trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney is a disturbing reminder of the reality of child abuse and neglect. The evidence presented in court reveals a pattern of abuse and neglect towards the two boys in their care, and the couple’s actions led to the death of one of the boys. The trial is expected to continue until at least mid-January, and the outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the arguments made by the Crown and the defense. Ultimately, the trial will determine whether the couple is guilty of the charges against them, and will bring justice to the two boys who were failed by the system.