Sentencing set to begin for Burlington, Ont., couple guilty of murdering boy, torturing brother today

< warm>WARNING: This story references inside information of baby shout.

A sentencing hearing begins today in Milton for an Ontario couple found guilty of murdering a 12-year-old, and confining and assaulting his younger brother while the children were in their care over a number of years.

Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan previously set 10 a.m. ET for the hearing for Brandy Cooney, 45, and Becky Hamber, 47.

The women had pleaded not guilty at the trial that began in September.

Conlan also found Hamber and Cooney guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life to a second child they were attempting to adopt. 

In his May decisions, Conlan wrote that Cooney and Hamber "hated the boys." The couple "deeply resented them having come into their lives and not having turned out to be what was expected."

He said they confined L.L. In a "dungeon-like bedroom" as he wasted away and died in December 2022, demonstrating a deliberate intention to kill the child.

"He should be remembered for more than this," the judge wrote.

Ahead of the sentencing hearing, the court may hear victim impact statements, which are generally short and written by victims of crimes and their loved ones. Sometimes, those statements are read in court by the individuals, who detail how the crime has affected their lives. It's unclear who, if anyone, may speak during Friday's hearing.

A conviction for first-degree carries an automatic life sentence, with no chance of parole for 25 years. 

Ontario murder case highlights child welfare's systemic failures, say advocates

The brothers lived with Hamber and Cooney, their prospective adoptive parents, for about five years starting in 2017.

Days after L.L.'s death, the Children's Aid Society took J.L. From the couple. On Jan. 17, 2023, Halton police arrested the women and charged them with assault. On Feb. 29, 2024, police charged them with killing L.L.

The judge-alone trial heard from 48 witnesses, with 209 exhibits entered into the record, as Conlan pointed out in his decisions.

Conlan wrote he decided the case largely on text messages between Cooney, Hamber and Cooney's father (who lived with the couple), J.L.'s testimony, evidence of medical professionals who treated L.L., the post-mortem findings and the opinions of two expert witnesses, and testimony by Hamber and Cooney.

In a May statement on Conlan's decisions, the biological mother of L.L. And J.L. Thanked Conlan, court staff, the Crown and the defence for their work.

"Justice has been rendered and the trial is over. But for our family, this [is] our life. And the horrific nightmare that began for us long ago will forever now be etched in the memories of many," she said. "This verdict does not bring our child back to us. But it does help us move forward."

If you’re affected by this report, you can look for mental health support through resources in your province or territory . If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.

Reporter

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