Ontario Murder Trial: Boy Testifies on Parents’ ‘Restraint System’

URGENT UPDATE: The chilling Ontario murder trial of two women accused of killing a 12-year-old boy took a harrowing turn as his younger brother testified in court, revealing shocking details about life in their Burlington home. The now-13-year-old boy recounted his experiences under the care of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, who are facing charges of first-degree murder, unlawful confinement, and assault.

In a gripping session at the Milton courthouse earlier today, the boy watched video-recorded statements he made to police following the death of his older brother on December 21, 2022. His testimony sheds light on the disturbing conditions he and his brother endured, raising urgent concerns about child safety and welfare.

The boy described a “restraint system” implemented by Hamber and Cooney that involved zip ties, hockey helmets, and frequent confinement. He recounted moments of distress, stating, “I didn’t really feel safe when… I just didn’t really like… the restraint system.” Shockingly, he revealed that when he was upset, his “mommas” would zip-tie him in place, causing him pain and discomfort, often for up to an hour.

During his first police statement after his brother’s funeral, he emotionally expressed his grief, saying, “I saw my sibling and, you know, he’s dead. He’s the first dead body I’ve ever seen in real life.” This testimony comes as the courtroom grappled with the emotional weight of the situation, amplified by the presence of a comfort dog to support the young witness.

The Children’s Aid Society placed the boys with Hamber and Cooney in 2017, but their care has now come under intense scrutiny. The boys cannot be identified due to a publication ban, yet their experiences resonate deeply with ongoing discussions about child protection in Canada. The trial has exposed systemic failures that may have allowed such conditions to persist.

As the boy continues on the witness stand, his testimony raises grave concerns about the treatment of children in similar situations. The defence has voiced issues regarding witness preparation, asserting that the boy’s recent return to his biological mother, who has been observing the trial remotely, could jeopardize proceedings.

The trial is set to resume tomorrow, and the implications of this case are profound. As the nation watches, the urgent need for reform in child welfare systems becomes increasingly clear. What happens next could reshape how authorities address similar cases in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates as this critical trial unfolds.