In a murder trial in Milton, a psychiatrist testified that she had advised a couple in Burlington, Ont., multiple times to take a 12-year-old boy under their care to the emergency room before his death in 2022. Dr. Shelinderjit Dhaliwal revealed that despite the boy’s deteriorating health and refusal to eat, the couple, Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber, declined to follow her recommendations, leading to the tragic outcome.
The two women are facing charges of first-degree murder for the death of the boy, referred to as L.L., whom they were attempting to adopt. Additionally, they are accused of confinement, assault with a weapon (zip ties), and failing to provide necessary care to L.L.’s younger brother, J.L. The trial, held in Superior Court with a judge presiding, commenced last month and is anticipated to run through December.
L.L. and J.L., Indigenous boys from Ottawa, were placed in the care of Cooney and Hamber in Burlington in 2017 as part of an adoption process. During the trial, various medical professionals testified regarding the boys’ health conditions and the challenges faced by the women in caring for them. The defendants claimed that the boys exhibited severe behavioral problems, with L.L. allegedly suffering from an eating disorder towards the end of his life.
Dhaliwal, who had been treating L.L. since January 2022, recounted the concerning interactions with the boy and the women during her sessions. Despite her repeated advice to seek urgent medical intervention for L.L.’s worsening condition, Hamber resisted, citing concerns about the potential trauma for the boy. The psychiatrist initiated the process to enroll L.L. in an eating disorder clinic but noted the lack of timely medical assessment and intervention.
The tragic incident unfolded when paramedics found L.L. in a critical state in his basement room, leading to his eventual death in the hospital. The exact cause of death remains undetermined, although evidence points to severe malnutrition and neglect as contributing factors. Throughout the trial, testimonies have highlighted the missed opportunities for medical intervention and the escalating health crisis that ultimately claimed the young boy’s life.
As the proceedings continue, the court is delving into the complex circumstances surrounding L.L.’s death and the responsibilities of the caregivers involved. The case underscores the importance of timely medical attention and proper care for vulnerable children, shedding light on the devastating consequences of neglect and inadequate intervention in cases of child welfare.