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WARNING: This article details allegations of child abuse.
The brother of a 12-year-old child who died while the women were adopting boys is hearing for the first time about the grisly murder trial of a couple in Burlington, Ont.
JL, as he is called in coverage of the trial because the boys' identities are protected by a standard publication ban, is now 13 years old. His brother LL was 12 years old when he died on December 21, 2022.
Brandi Cooney and Becky Hamber pleaded not guilty to murder at their trial in Milton Superior Court, which began in mid-September. They filed the same complaint involving charges of imprisonment, assault with a weapon (bracelets) and failure to provide the necessaries of life to JL.
The younger brother gives testimony from a separate room
Called by the Crown, J.L. began testifying Wednesday via video from a private room in the courthouse. If necessary, he will be helped by two workers and an assistant dog named Nelson.
The hearing began with the court being shown a video of an interview the boy gave to a Holton police detective on January 11, 2023.
The Crown alleges Humber and Cooney, who the boys called Mama and Mama respectively, abused and neglected the children.
During the trial, doctors discovered L.L. unconscious, wet and lying on the ground floor of his bedroom, which was locked from the outside. Witnesses said he was so emaciated and malnourished that he looked as if he was six years old, even though he was twice his age. He died shortly afterwards in hospital.
The women's lawyers argue that the couple did their best to care for children with high needs and severe behavioral problems, with little help from the Children's Aid Society (CAS) and service providers.
Witnesses, including first responders, medical experts, teachers, therapists and doctors, testified at the trial, which is expected to last until at least early December.
If this report has affected you, you can seek mental health help through resources in your province or territory.
