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WARNING: This story references details of child abuse.
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.
LISTEN | Breaking down the verdict:
Ottawa Morning9:47Guilty verdict in Milton trial on death of Ottawa boy
CBC’s Justin Chandler has been covering the trial of the Burlington couple and breaks down the verdict.
CBC has referred to the Indigenous brothers from the Ottawa area using initials, L.L. and J.L., as their identities are protected under a standard publication ban.
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.
Court may hear victim impact statements
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.
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.
Texts important in judge’s 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.
Justice Clayton Conlan listens to closing arguments in the trial of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber on March 23. (Pam Davies/CBC)
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.”
CBC Hamilton, which received the statement through the lawyer in the family’s separate civil matter, isn’t naming the mother to respect the publication ban on her sons’ identities.
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.