Ontario couple sentenced to life in prison for murdering boy 'got what they deserved,' brother tells court

2 Ontario women sentenced to lifespan in prison house for slay of 12-year-old boy in their give care

WARNING: This story references details of child abuse.

Ten months after the start of the murder trial for a Burlington, Ont., couple, the focus at their sentencing hearing Friday was on the two young brothers in their care who suffered abuse, and the family and community members impacted in turn.

Superior Court Justice Clayton Conlan sentenced Brandy Cooney, 45, and Becky Hamber, 47, to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 25 years — the mandatory term for first-degree murder.

Sentencing “is the end of this case, but not the ending of the memory of L.L., and only the beginning of J.L.'s life,” Conlan stressed in his final remarks in Milton court.

Ontario couple sentenced to life in prison for murder of boy, other 'serious crimes' involving his brother

In May, the judge found the pair guilty of murdering L.L., who was 12 when he was found without vital signs and emaciated in the basement of the couple’s home in 2022. They were also convicted of assaulting, confining and failing to provide the necessaries of life to the younger brother, and sentenced to several years per charge, to be served at the same time as the life term.

The sentencing hearing began with victim impact statements.

Prominent speakers included J.L., the boys’ biological mother and the brothers’ former foster mother from Ottawa.

Now 14, J.L. Told the court about how much he missed his big brother. After the hearing, he said he was anxious and scared to be in court, including having to face Hamber and Cooney but, "It's good they got what they deserved." 

He also spoke of his goal of becoming a lawyer, saying he likes arguing and thinks accused people deserve representation because they aren't all guilty.

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

Conlan also heard from firefighters still dealing with the trauma of responding to L.L.'s death, teachers and former neighbours wondering if they could have done more, and family members grieving a boy who will never grow into adulthood.

Hamber and Cooney also spoke, as the court system allows them to.

Both maintained their innocence, saying justice wasn’t served.

Cooney read a poem she wrote from the perspective of L.L., drawing disgusted looks and scoffs from members of the gallery.

"We have the truth always," Hamber said, apologizing for any harm she caused and reaffirming she had good intentions. "I can learn from my mistakes and move forward."

Hamber's lawyer, Monte MacGregor — who months ago grilled J.L. As he testified — turned to address him at the sentencing hearing, saying, "I am hopeful and confident that you will flourish going forward.

"It's hard to walk away not being impacted in such a significant way," he said of the trial, thanking everyone who participated and saying he wishes them all well.

MacGregor didn't ask for a lighter sentence. After the hearing, he told reporters that Hamber and Cooney have the right to appeal Conlan's decision, but that he would not personally be involved and such a process often takes several years.

Ontario couple found guilty of boy’s murder, brother’s torture

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

The judge described the process as "lengthy and difficult," a sentiment echoed in some people's impact statements Friday.

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.

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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