The trial involving two women from Burlington, Ontario, accused in the death of a 12-year-old boy has heard testimony from various professionals involved in the mental health treatment of the child and his younger brother. The individuals, including a social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, and service coordinator, shared that Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber expressed challenges in caring for the boys, whom they believed had undergone trauma, and sought additional assistance. Mention was also made of concerns noted as “yellow flags” regarding the children’s welfare.
Referred to as L.L. in court, the older boy passed away in December 2022, and both Cooney and Hamber were in the process of adopting the two Indigenous siblings at the time. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, as well as confinement, assault with zip ties, and failure to provide necessities to the younger brother, J.L. The trial, presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan in Milton, began the previous month and is expected to continue through December.
The Crown has alleged that Cooney and Hamber mistreated L.L. and J.L., alleging that the women harbored ill feelings towards the boys, subjected them to confinement, restricted their food, and used zip ties for control. Reports indicated that emergency services were summoned on the night of L.L.’s distress, with responders finding him in a critical state. Expert testimony revealed severe malnourishment as a contributing factor to his demise, although the exact cause of death remains undetermined post-autopsy.
During the trial, various care providers were questioned by Crown attorneys regarding their interactions with the boys and the accused. Testimony from a social worker, Stefanie Peachey, indicated her involvement with the brothers and the defendants, highlighting concerns raised during her sessions. Peachey expressed discomfort over witnessing J.L. restrained in his pajamas with zip ties, a practice she deemed inappropriate but did not escalate to child services.
The defense for Hamber and Cooney has argued that the women were struggling to manage L.L.’s challenging behaviors, citing instances of binge eating, manipulation, and violent outbursts. The lawyers also contended that the brothers had experienced significant trauma prior to being under Cooney’s and Hamber’s care. Multiple witnesses, including a therapist and a service coordinator, attested to the defendants’ efforts in seeking support for the boys.
Dr. Alan Brown, a psychiatrist, testified about L.L.’s potential mental health conditions, suggesting disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, PTSD, reactive attachment disorder, and ADHD. Brown noted that while Hamber had requested a longer hospital stay for L.L., his assessment did not deem it necessary at the time. The defense questioned the adequacy of the support provided to the brothers, to which Brown acknowledged the challenges faced by the defendants in managing L.L.’s behaviors.
The ongoing trial continues to shed light on the complexities surrounding the case and the tragic circumstances leading to L.L.’s death.