Milton, Ontario – Disturbing new testimony has emerged in the ongoing murder trial of two Canadian foster parents accused of abusing and killing their 12-year-old foster son, shedding light on allegations of prolonged confinement, physical restraint, and neglect inside their home.
Case Overview
Brandy Cooney, 43, and Becky Hamber, 45, are facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, and failure to provide the necessaries of life in connection with the death of a boy identified in court as L.L. The women have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case centers on events leading up to December 21, 2022, when L.L. was found unresponsive, soaked, and covered in vomit inside the couple’s Milton, Ontario home.
Testimony From One of the Accused
Taking the stand this week, Cooney told the court that she and Hamber loved and cared for L.L. and his younger brother J.L., claiming the children had severe behavioral issues that required restraint.
Cooney admitted that the boys were sometimes placed in wet suits, with the sleeves zip-tied, and that helmets were zip-tied to their heads on occasion. She testified that these measures were meant to prevent self-harm, stating the boys would try to choke or punch themselves.
“Yes, I did zip-tie the end of the wet suit sleeves,” Cooney told the court, according to reporters present.
She described the restraints as a “last resort,” though later acknowledged that the children were restrained frequently at certain times.
Prosecutors Challenge the Narrative
Prosecutors strongly disputed Cooney’s explanation, questioning whether the restraints were truly necessary. Assistant Crown Attorney Monica MacKenzie pointed out that neither adult ever sought medical attention for alleged injuries caused by the boys.
When asked whether any injuries required professional treatment, Cooney replied, “No.”
Prosecutors allege that the boys were locked in their bedrooms for up to 18 hours at a time, with bells installed above doors so the adults could monitor their movements within the home.
Conditions Inside the Home
According to court testimony, the boys were allegedly forced to:
- Sleep in tents instead of beds
- Eat only pureed food
- Remain confined for long periods
- Wear wet suits as a form of control
Prosecutors claim these conditions amounted to systematic abuse and neglect, rather than protective caregiving.
Messages and Online Searches Presented as Evidence
The court also heard about disturbing digital evidence recovered during the investigation.
Prosecutors said that two days before L.L. died, someone in the home searched on an iPad for “I hate my child.” Days earlier, another search allegedly read, “I did not love my adopted child.”
Text messages between the two women were also introduced. On March 11, 2022, Cooney allegedly messaged Hamber asking, “Can I just not feed at all?” Hamber reportedly responded, “No food unless calm.”
In another message weeks later, Hamber allegedly stated that J.L. needed to eat before bed because the boys “can’t be skeletons.”
The Death of L.L.
On the day L.L. was found unresponsive, prosecutors said he appeared severely malnourished, to the point that medical professionals believed he looked closer to six years old, despite being twelve.
A pathologist testified that L.L. may have died from hypothermia or cardiac arrest related to extreme malnutrition, though an exact cause of death could not be definitively determined.
Background of the Children
L.L. and J.L., who are Indigenous, were placed in Cooney and Hamber’s care in 2017 after being removed from a long-term foster home. The couple was reportedly in the process of adopting the boys at the time of L.L.’s death.
J.L., now 13, has testified during the trial.
Trial Continues
The trial began in mid-September and remains ongoing. Prosecutors argue the evidence shows a pattern of hatred, abuse, and neglect, while the defense maintains the actions were misguided attempts to manage extreme behavioral challenges.
As proceedings continue, the case has sparked renewed discussion in Canada about foster care oversight, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable children.
If you have thoughts on this case or concerns about child welfare in your community, share your perspective in the comments below.
