HamiltonThe Milton, Ont., murder trial of a Burlington couple is hearing from the younger brother of a 12-year-old who died while the two were in the process of trying to adopt the boys. Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney have pleaded not guilty in the 2022 death and to other charges.Becky Hamber, Brandy Cooney pleaded not guilty to killing 12-year-old in 2022Justin Chandler · CBC News · Posted: Nov 12, 2025 2:17 PM EST | Last Updated: 23 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.J.L. and L.L., left to right, are shown in an undated photo filed as a court exhibit. Their Burlington, Ont., teachers described them as clever, curious and eager students. (Ontario Superior Court in Milton)WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse.For the first time, the horrific murder trial of a Burlington, Ont., couple is hearing from the brother of the 12-year-old who died while the women were in the process of adopting the boys.J.L., as he’s referred to for our coverage of this trial as the boys’ identities are protected under a standard publication ban, is now 13. His brother, L.L., was 12 when he died on Dec. 21, 2022. Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber have pleaded not guilty to murder in the Superior Court trial in Milton that began in mid-September. They’ve entered the same plea related to charges of confinement, assault with a weapon — zip ties — and failing to provide the necessaries of life to J.L.Younger brother testifying from separate roomCalled by the Crown, J.L. began testifying Wednesday by video from a separate room in the courthouse. Two workers and a support dog named Nelson are there to help him if needed. The hearing began with the court being shown a video of an interview the boy gave a Halton police detective on Jan. 11, 2023.The Crown argues Hamber and Cooney, who the boys called mom and mama, respectively, abused and neglected the children.The trial has heard paramedics found L.L. unresponsive, soaking wet and lying on the basement floor of his bedroom, which was locked from the outside. Witnesses said he was so severely malnourished and emaciated that he looked as if he could be six years old, even though he was twice that age. He died shortly after in hospital.The women’s respective lawyers argue the couple were doing their best to care for children with high needs and significant behavioural problems, with little help from the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and service providers.Witnesses including first responders, medical experts, teachers, therapists and doctors have testified at the judge-alone trial, which is expected to continue until at least early December. If you’re affected by this report, you can look for mental health support through resources in your province or territory.ABOUT THE AUTHORJustin Chandler is a CBC News reporter in Hamilton. He has a special interest in how public policy affects people, and loves a quirky human-interest story. Justin covered current affairs in Hamilton and Niagara for TVO between 2020 and 2023. Before that, he worked on a variety of CBC teams and programs, including As It Happens, Day 6 and CBC Music. He co-hosted Radio Free Krypton on Met Radio. Follow Justin on social mediaMore by JustinContact CBC Hamilton
Brother of boy who died while they were in couple’s care testifies at Milton, Ont., murder trial
