Woman Testifies in Ontario Child Death Case

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains accounts of child abuse and mentions of suicidal thoughts.

One of two women from Ontario accused in the death of a boy under their care testified for the first time, stating on Monday that she and her partner struggled to provide him with the necessary assistance.

During her initial testimony at Milton Superior Court, Becky Hamber revealed that she and Brandy Cooney were unaware of the boy’s serious behavioral issues before he and his younger brother came to live with them.

Hamber described how the older boy exhibited sudden violent behavior, and when they sought help, they found the Children’s Aid Society to be unhelpful at times.

She recounted an incident in 2018 when the boy, identified as L.L. for the trial, insulted her and pushed her down a flight of stairs, causing her injury. On that day, Cooney took the boy, who also expressed suicidal thoughts, to a nearby hospital where he was admitted for several days.

Monte MacGregor, Hamber’s lawyer, inquired if the couple received any guidance on handling the described tantrums, to which Hamber responded that they did not.

In October, Dr. Alan Brown, a child psychiatrist, testified that L.L. likely had various disorders but had not displayed the described behaviors witnessed by the accused.

Both Cooney and Hamber, residents of Burlington, pleaded not guilty to the charges related to L.L.’s death and his brother, J.L. The Crown asserts that the couple developed animosity towards the boys during the five years they lived together.

Witnesses testified that the accused verbally abused and mistreated the children, including using restraints, confinement, and providing inadequate care.

According to the defendants and their lawyers, they struggled to care for children with complex needs due to insufficient support from authorities.

During the trial, Cooney denied forcing L.L. to exercise but admitted to employing restraints.

L.L. passed away at the age of 12 in December 2022, showing signs of severe malnourishment and neglect.

J.L., now 13, gave testimony earlier in the trial.

Discussion on Food Raised by Defense

MacGregor questioned Hamber extensively about her interactions with the boys, particularly regarding the meals she prepared for them.

J.L. mentioned a shift to pureed food during his stay with the couple, a statement Hamber confirmed, describing the meals as balanced and suitable for the boys.