WARNING: This article contains accusations of child mistreatment.
According to a defense attorney at the murder trial of two women in Burlington, Ontario, workers from the Halton Children’s Aid Society (CAS) failed to adequately document crucial details and neglected to investigate concerning signs regarding the well-being of two boys under the care of a Burlington couple.
During the trial, Nabeel Sheiban cross-examined retired child protection worker Lisa Potts and inquired about various notes recorded by adoption workers and their communications with Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, the accused.
One message highlighted by Sheiban mentioned that Hamber stated the older boy was “unhealthy” and dealing with an eating disorder.
Sheiban quoted Hamber as saying, “It is obvious [he] is underweight and does not look healthy,” and argued that this should have raised a red flag.
Potts agreed with Sheiban’s assertion.
Emaciated 12-Year-Old Boy Discovered
The child, identified as L.L. for confidentiality purposes during the trial, passed away on Dec. 21, 2022.
The judge-only trial at Milton’s Ontario Superior Court heard that when paramedics found the 12-year-old, he was unresponsive, wet, and lying on the basement floor of his locked bedroom. Witnesses mentioned his severe malnourishment and emaciated appearance, resembling a six-year-old. Tragically, he died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Hamber and Cooney have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, as well as to charges of confinement, assault with zip ties, and failing to provide necessities to the younger boy, J.L.
Due to a standard publication ban, the identities of the Indigenous boys are protected.
The prosecution alleges that the couple mistreated and neglected the children, leading to L.L.’s death.
On the other hand, the defense argues that the women were struggling to care for children with complex needs and challenging behaviors, with limited support from CAS and service providers.
Various witnesses, including first responders, medical experts, educators, therapists, and physicians, have provided testimony since the trial commenced in mid-September.
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