Trial resumes for Burlington prospective parents on trial for death of 12-year-old boy

The trial is set to resume Thursday for two women charged for the death of a boy they were planning to adopt.

Brandy Cooney of Hamilton and Becky Hamber of Burlington have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges tied to the death of a 12-year-old boy in December of 2022.

A cause of death has yet to be presented and a publication ban is in place to protect the children’s identities.

Harrowing details of a “restraint system” were presented including the use of zip-ties, wetsuits and bedroom confinement used against two boys at their Burlington home.

While under cross-examination from the Crown, Cooney pushed back against claims of abuse, testifying that the boys showed aggressive and violent behaviour, and said the Children’s Aid Society did not provide enough help.

Earlier in September, the boy’s former foster mother took the stand as a witness, describing the boy as bright and charming, but prone to outbursts that were sometimes violent.

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