The trial of two women from Burlington, Ontario, accused of being involved in the death of a 12-year-old boy they were caring for has heard testimony from various professionals involved in the mental health treatment of the child and his younger brother.
A social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, and service coordinator detailed that Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber expressed difficulties in looking after the boys, who they believed had undergone traumatic experiences. They sought additional support, as mentioned in court testimonies.
The older boy, identified as L.L., passed away in December 2022, while the identities of L.L. and his younger brother, J.L., remain protected under a publication ban.
The Crown alleges that Cooney and Hamber mistreated and neglected the boys, including confining them, restricting food, and using zip ties on them. The ongoing trial, presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan in Milton, began last month and is scheduled to continue until December.
The defense argues that Cooney and Hamber were attempting to seek help for the brothers but were struggling to manage L.L.’s challenging behaviors, which included binge eating and violent outbursts. They also suggested that the brothers had experienced significant trauma before being under the care of the accused.
Dr. Alan Brown, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, testified that L.L. likely had multiple disorders, including disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, reactive attachment disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The defense lawyers emphasized that the accused were actively seeking support and advocating for the boys.
The trial has included testimonies from various professionals involved in the case, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the care and treatment of the boys.