In a significant trial involving allegations of child abuse and discussions about suicide, one of the two Ontario women accused in the death of a boy under their care testified for the first time, revealing the challenges they faced in seeking help for the child.
During her initial testimony at Milton Superior Court, Becky Hamber shared that she and her spouse, Brandy Cooney, were unaware of the older boy’s severe behavioral issues before he and his younger sibling came to live with them. Hamber described incidents where the older boy exhibited sudden violent behavior, and she expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the Children’s Aid Society when they sought help.
Hamber recounted an episode in 2018 when the boy, referred to as L.L. for the trial, verbally insulted her and physically pushed her down a flight of stairs, resulting in a leg injury. Following this incident, Cooney took the boy, who also expressed suicidal thoughts, to a nearby hospital, where he was hospitalized for several days.
During questioning by Monte MacGregor, Hamber’s defense attorney, she disclosed that they did not receive any strategies to manage the tantrums they were encountering at the time. Dr. Alan Brown, a child psychiatrist, previously testified that L.L. likely had several mental health disorders, although he did not observe the extreme behaviors described by Hamber and Cooney.
Both Hamber and Cooney, residents of Burlington, pleaded not guilty to charges related to L.L.’s death and the mistreatment of his brother, J.L. The prosecution alleges that the couple developed animosity towards the boys over the five years they lived together, subjecting them to verbal abuse, physical restraints, and neglect.
Hamber explained that they struggled to care for the boys due to their complex needs and insufficient support from the Children’s Aid Society and healthcare professionals. She clarified that their motivation was not financial, despite receiving monthly assistance for the boys’ care.
In her testimony, Hamber shared details about her upbringing and personal experiences, highlighting her dedication to working with children with special needs. She expressed a strong desire to provide a voice for marginalized individuals and recounted the process of adopting L.L. and J.L., emphasizing her initial excitement and connection with the brothers.
The trial is set to resume with Hamber’s continued testimony, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic events leading to L.L.’s death.
