In her murder trial testimony, Brandy Cooney revealed that she referred to the 12-year-old boy she and her wife were trying to adopt as names like “moron” and “loser,” and used zip-ties to confine him in a wetsuit, keeping him locked in his room. Cooney acknowledged that she was aware of the boy’s severe underweight condition in the fall of 2022, and remembered him expressing fear of death. Moreover, she disclosed searching “I hate my child” on her iPad days before his passing, during the trial that commenced in mid-September.
While explaining her actions, Cooney expressed frustration with the lack of support from the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), therapists, and doctors in assisting the boy. She emphasized that her online search was an attempt to seek guidance from other parents facing similar challenges. Cooney and Becky Hamber face charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault using zip ties, and neglecting to provide for the needs of the boy’s younger brother. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty.
Referred to as L.L. and J.L. due to identity protection, the Indigenous brothers were under Cooney’s and Hamber’s care from 2017 until L.L.’s tragic demise in December 2022. Cooney, the defense’s initial witness in the trial, defended their care for the boys, citing the boys’ past neglect and trauma that led to their behavioral difficulties.
During questioning, Cooney denied any actions that led to the boy’s death. She spoke fondly of Hamber, describing her as detail-oriented, and recounted the emotional moment when she found L.L. unresponsive and attempted CPR before his passing. Cooney mentioned that they were unaware of the full extent of the brothers’ mental health issues before they moved in with them.
Regarding L.L.’s weight loss, Cooney attributed it to an eating disorder that caused him to regurgitate food for comfort, leading to a significant decline in weight. Despite concerns about his health, they did not take him to the emergency room, even when he displayed severe symptoms. Cooney explained that they were hopeful L.L. would receive prompt treatment at an eating disorder clinic.
Cooney addressed the allegations of using zip ties and wetsuits to confine the boys, stating that these measures were intended to prevent inappropriate behavior and self-harm. She clarified that the boys were given pureed food alongside regular meals and engaged in light exercise as advised by a therapist. Cooney also mentioned the use of cameras in the house to monitor the boys.
The trial explored concerns about limited interactions between the CAS, therapists, and doctors with the boys individually. Cooney explained that this was to protect the boys from potential COVID-19 exposure and avoid retraumatizing them. Throughout 2022, they attempted to secure residential treatment for L.L. to obtain a proper diagnosis and provide temporary respite for the caregivers, but their efforts were denied by the CAS.
The trial is ongoing, with Cooney’s testimony shedding light on the complex circumstances surrounding the case.