Therapist Testifies on Food Feeding Practices in Ontario Murder Trial

A child and family therapist testified in the ongoing murder trial of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber, asserting that she never recommended consistently pureeing food for the two Indigenous boys in their care. The trial, which is taking place in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Milton, focuses on the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the boys, known as L.L., who was 12 years old when he died on December 21, 2022.

The women are charged with first-degree murder in connection with L.L.’s death, along with additional charges of confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life for his brother, J.L.. Throughout the trial, questions have arisen regarding the care and treatment the boys received while under the couple’s supervision.

Therapist Describes Recommended Practices

On Friday, therapist Terra Bovingdon provided her testimony regarding the care she suggested for the boys during her work with Cooney and Hamber in 2018 and 2019. Bovingdon noted that she recommended the use of smoothies and possibly bottle feeding as strategies to help the boys cope with their trauma, but she never advised the consistent pureeing of their food. The defense has suggested that the couple followed Bovingdon’s advice regarding the pureed diet.

Bovingdon explained that children who have experienced trauma might benefit from engaging activities that are rhythmic and repetitive, such as biking or coloring, to help regulate their emotions. She emphasized the importance of tailoring interactions to the developmental level of the child, suggesting that brief engagement in activities, such as playing hide and seek, could be beneficial. However, she clarified that she did not endorse treating the boys as toddlers on an ongoing basis.

During her examination by Crown prosecutor Monica MacKenzie, Bovingdon reiterated her stance, stating she never advocated for the boys to be confined for long periods or subjected to excessive exercise, as has been alleged by the Crown. The prosecution claims that the couple forced the boys to climb stairs for extended periods, raising concerns about their treatment.

Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

The prosecution has painted a harrowing picture of the conditions the boys faced while living with Cooney and Hamber. Evidence presented in court revealed that paramedics found L.L. unresponsive and severely malnourished in a locked room, leading to his death shortly after arriving at the hospital. Witnesses have described L.L. as appearing much younger than his actual age due to malnutrition.

In his testimony, J.L. recounted that he was often confined to his room and subjected to a diet consisting solely of pureed food. This treatment has been a focal point of the trial, with the defense arguing that the couple was attempting to care for children with significant behavioral problems, often without adequate support from the Children’s Aid Society (CAS).

Additional testimony came from a child and youth worker from Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, who remarked on the difficulties she encountered while working with the family. Chelsey Harding stated that she ultimately left her position due to the challenges posed by the couple, asserting that they often interfered with her work and did not allow for private sessions with the boys, despite such meetings being a requirement.

The trial, presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan, is expected to resume on Monday and is anticipated to continue until at least early December. As the proceedings unfold, the gravity of the allegations against Cooney and Hamber continues to evoke strong emotions and concerns about the well-being of vulnerable children.

For those affected by this report, mental health support resources are available through local services in their respective provinces or territories.