Ontario couple sentenced to life in prison for murdering 12-year-old boy in their care
Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney were sentenced to life for the 2022 death of a severely malnourished boy and the torture of his younger brother.
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An Ontario couple has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a 12-year-old boy in their care and torturing his younger brother. Becky Hamber, 47, and Brandy Cooney, 45, were also sentenced for forcible confinement and other crimes related to the abuse.
The older boy, known as L.L., was severely malnourished when he died in 2022. The victims' identities are protected by a publication ban. The boys' surviving brother, biological mother, and former foster mother read victim impact statements in court. Hamber and Cooney also spoke during the proceeding.
Outside the courthouse, the surviving brother, J.L., said he was anxious and scared to be in court. About the sentences, he said, "It's good they got what they deserved." He noted that life is calm for him now and spoke of his goal of becoming a lawyer, saying accused people deserve representation because they aren't all guilty. "I think there should be better checks on families" in foster care, he said.
Sara Biasetti, J.L.'s Grade 2 teacher who testified at the trial, said Cooney and Hamber took no responsibility and deserve to be imprisoned for life. Hamber's lawyer said outside the courthouse that the focus now is on the people who suffered, and that any possible appeal would be a lengthy process with nothing likely for several years.
