Urgent Trial Updates: 12-Year-Old Boy’s Death Sparks Outrage

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, trial proceedings have revealed deeply troubling details surrounding the death of a 12-year-old boy, who tragically died on December 21, 2022, while living with his prospective adoptive parents in Burlington. A Children’s Aid Society (CAS) worker’s haunting observations just three months before his death have intensified scrutiny on the couple accused of his murder.

During testimony on November 3, 2023, it was disclosed that the boy appeared severely malnourished and emaciated during a CAS visit. The worker, Lisa Potts, expressed her deep concern about his “general health,” urging that his psychiatrist see him at an upcoming appointment. Shockingly, this was the last time any CAS representative had direct contact with the boy before his untimely passing.

The accused, Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and face additional charges of failing to provide the necessaries of life, unlawful confinement, and assault with a weapon on the boy’s brother, who was only 10 years old at the time of the incident. Prosecutors are determined to uncover the truth as the trial unfolds.

Prosecutor Monica MacKenzie highlighted CAS notes from a virtual visit on September 22, 2022, revealing the boy had “dark circles under his eyes” and was “pale,” weighing only 48 pounds at a time when a doctor saw him. Testimony from Dr. Stephen Duncan, who treated the boy eight days before his death, raised alarms as he admitted that immediate hospitalization could have potentially saved the child’s life.

The court heard that during his last visit, the boy voiced troubling thoughts and behaviors, including “tantruming” and even peeing himself. The CAS worker reported that he appeared to be under pressure from Hamber, who interrupted their conversation, indicating a controlling environment.

As the trial continues, defense attorney Monte MacGregor has attempted to shift the focus from Hamber and Cooney by suggesting systemic failures contributed to the child’s death. The court has also learned that a lack of clarity regarding the boys’ Indigenous status complicated the adoption process, raising further questions about the couple’s fitness as parents.

The trial is set to resume on November 7, 2023, when Potts will face cross-examination. With each piece of evidence that comes to light, the urgency to understand how this tragedy occurred grows stronger. The emotional weight of this case resonates deeply, highlighting the critical need for accountability in child welfare systems.

Stay tuned for more updates as this unfolding case continues to capture public attention and outrage.