Boy Died in 'Torture' After Adoption, Trial Hears

A trial is underway for Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, accused of murder in the death of a 12-year-old boy they were adopting. The Crown contends the child endured years of "torture" in their Burlington, Ontario home, leading to his death on December 21, 2022. He was allegedly confined to a small basement room, often restrained and deprived of essential care.

The prosecution detailed the boy's emaciated condition, noting he weighed the same as when he was six years old and had stopped growing. The Crown argues Hamber and Cooney deliberately obscured the boy's decline, deleting security footage and text messages, and fabricating explanations like "rumination syndrome" to mislead the Children's Aid Society and medical professionals.

Evidence presented suggests the women attempted to cover their tracks following the boy's death by cleaning his room and searching for terms like "dry drowning." Cooney has repeatedly denied the allegations, often blaming the child or claiming memory lapses. Hamber is expected to testify when the trial resumes.