Based on coverage from CBC and The Independent.
Ontario Murder Trial Unfolds in Milton Courtroom
In a harrowing case that has gripped Ontario, the trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney continues in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The Burlington couple faces first-degree murder charges in the death of a 12-year-old boy, L.L., who was in their care. The trial, which began in mid-September, has seen a parade of witnesses and evidence presented by the Crown, painting a disturbing picture of alleged abuse and neglect.
Sgt. Julie Powers, who led the investigation, testified about the extensive evidence collected from the couple's electronic devices. This included photos, videos, and audio recordings that suggest a pattern of maltreatment. Powers noted a decline in the presence of L.L. in family photos over the years, and a shift in the boys' clothing from normal attire to wetsuits, allegedly zip-tied to their bodies.
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Evidence of Abuse and Neglect Presented
The prosecution argues that Hamber and Cooney mistreated the boys, exaggerating their behavioural issues to justify their actions. The court heard chilling audio recordings where the women referred to L.L. with derogatory terms, such as "loser" and "f**king prick." In one recording, L.L. is heard pleading to go outside, a request that went unanswered.
The Crown also presented evidence of the couple's use of surveillance cameras to monitor the boys, and their alleged attempts to delete footage after L.L.'s death. Witnesses described L.L. as severely malnourished and emaciated when paramedics found him unresponsive in a locked basement room on December 21, 2022. He died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Defence Argues Lack of Support for High-Needs Children
The defence maintains that Hamber and Cooney were overwhelmed caregivers, struggling to manage two high-needs children with insufficient support from the Children's Aid Society and other service providers. They argue that the wetsuits were used because the boys urinated in the house, a claim J.L., L.L.'s younger brother, denied in his testimony.
The trial has also highlighted systemic issues, with testimony suggesting that caseworkers missed critical red flags. Despite the defence's assertions, the evidence presented so far has painted a grim picture of the boys' living conditions and the couple's treatment of them.
As the trial progresses, more testimony is expected to shed light on the tragic circumstances surrounding L.L.'s death. The case continues to raise important questions about the responsibilities of caregivers and the oversight of child welfare agencies in Ontario.
