Boy Died Emaciated in Foster Home Prison

A young boy, identified only as L.L., died emaciated in a locked basement, with police alleging severe abuse by his foster parents, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber. The couple pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and assault. Prosecutors revealed text messages depicting animosity towards L.L. and his brother, J.L., referring to them as "losers" and one boy as being in "Hamber Cooney prison."

Evidence presented included allegations that the boys were forced to wear wetsuits secured with zip ties, confined to rooms under surveillance, and fed pureed food. Paramedics found L.L. unresponsive, wet, and covered in vomit, appearing significantly younger than his 12 years. A pediatrician testified he weighed only 48 pounds, with potential causes of death including hypothermia or cardiac arrest due to malnutrition.

J.L., now 13, testified that he was instructed to falsely accuse his previous foster family of abuse and was largely confined to his room on a pureed diet. The defense argued they were trying their best with children with special needs, but the former foster parent stated L.L. had improved significantly in her care, suggesting he would be alive today with different circumstances.