In a Milton, Ontario, courtroom, a tragic case unfolded regarding a 12-year-old boy who died under suspicious circumstances. The boy had lived with his prospective adoptive parents for five years, during which the Halton Children’s Aid Society (CAS) never spoke to him alone, despite multiple reports of suspected abuse.

The court heard that in September 2022, a CAS worker expressed concerns about the boy's health, noting his thinness, paleness, sunken cheeks, and dark circles under his eyes during a virtual call. However, no follow-up visit occurred before the boy's death on December 21, 2022. Lisa Potts, a now-retired CAS child protection worker, confirmed this in her testimony.

On the night of his death, paramedics found the boy unresponsive on the basement floor of his bedroom, which was locked from the outside. He was severely malnourished and emaciated, appearing much younger than his age. He died shortly after being taken to the hospital.

Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, the boy's prospective adoptive parents, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Their trial began in mid-September and is expected to continue into December. The identities of the boy and his younger brother are protected under a publication ban, with the court referring to them as L.L. and J.L.

In addition to murder charges, Hamber and Cooney face charges of confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessities of life to J.L., all of which they deny. Their defense attorneys argue that the women received inadequate support from CAS and other service providers to care for the boys, who had significant behavioral issues.

The trial has seen a range of witnesses, including first responders, medical experts, and educators. Potts, the first CAS worker to testify, stated that she substantiated claims of abuse against the boys after investigating in 2023.

During her testimony, Potts confirmed that the boys were subjected to cruel treatment, including emotional harm from name-calling and isolation. They were reportedly forced to wear clothing secured with zip ties and were not allowed to maintain a connection to their Indigenous identity.

The boys were moved from Ottawa to Burlington in 2017 to live with Hamber and Cooney, who were attempting to adopt them. Although they remained wards of the Ottawa CAS, the Halton CAS was responsible for supervising the adoption process, which was never finalized.

Concerns about the couple's financial struggles and their refusal to allow the boys to be interviewed alone by a children's lawyer were raised during the trial. Potts noted that the couple was worried that L.L. would not consent to the adoption if he met privately with the lawyer.

The CAS received multiple reports about the treatment of L.L. and J.L. from concerned professionals over the years. Potts testified that the CAS had a duty to investigate these reports and interview the children alone, but this did not occur.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the boys were homeschooled, limiting their contact with the outside world. Although Hamber and Cooney sought help from mental health professionals, they often supervised the boys during appointments or declined services altogether.

In 2021, the CAS urged for medical checkups for the boys, particularly L.L., who had lost weight. However, Hamber expressed her frustration in an email, stating that the CAS was prioritizing the children's health over her own.

The trial continues, with Potts yet to be cross-examined. The case has raised serious questions about the oversight and actions of child protection services in Ontario.