An Ontario Superior Court judge has convicted Burlington residents Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney of all charges related to the death of a 12-year-old boy and the mistreatment of his younger brother, who were under their care. The verdict was delivered swiftly by Justice Clayton Conlan in a brief session at the Milton court on Tuesday morning. The judge’s conclusions were met with audible reactions from the audience, with over two dozen individuals present.
According to the judge’s 300-page decision, Hamber and Cooney harbored animosity towards the boys and subjected them to severe neglect and confinement. The judge emphasized that the couple intentionally neglected the older boy, leading to his tragic demise. The defendants, who did not address the court, were taken into custody following the ruling. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, possibly in mid-May.
The deceased boy, identified as L.L., passed away on December 21, 2022, under distressing circumstances. Emergency responders discovered him unresponsive in his basement room, weighing a mere 48 pounds just days before his death. Subsequently, the Children’s Aid Society intervened and removed the younger brother, J.L., from the couple’s care. Hamber and Cooney were initially charged with assault and later indicted for L.L.’s killing.
Throughout the trial, which commenced in mid-September, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The proceedings included testimonies from 48 witnesses and the submission of 209 exhibits into evidence. Conlan’s decision heavily relied on various sources, including text messages, medical reports, expert opinions, and witness statements.
Conlan discredited the defense’s arguments and found Hamber’s and Cooney’s actions to be reprehensible. He highlighted the overwhelming evidence against the couple, concluding that they were culpable for the mistreatment and tragic demise of the boys. The judge praised the efforts of both the prosecution and the defense in presenting their cases.
Following the verdict, Crown attorney Monica Mackenzie described the case as “exceptionally tragic,” expressing hope that the rulings would bring accountability. While Hamber’s lawyer expressed surprise at the murder conviction, Cooney’s lawyer declined to comment. The biological mother of the boys, who remains unnamed due to a publication ban, extended gratitude to the court, law enforcement, and her son for his testimony during the trial.
In closing, the judge emphasized the significance of the case and its impact on the community. The trial’s conclusion shed light on the harrowing circumstances faced by the boys and underscored the need for stringent accountability in cases of child abuse and neglect.