Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, who are facing first-degree murder charges, appeared in court Monday as their trial continued in Milton, Ontario. The couple has pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the death of a boy in their care, identified as L.L., who died on December 21, 2022.

Sgt. Julie Powers of the Ontario Provincial Police testified about the evidence collected during the investigation. She reviewed numerous photos, videos, audio recordings, messages, and call logs from the electronic devices seized from Hamber and Cooney when they were charged in 2023.

Powers noted that early in the couple's five-year relationship, photos showed both boys they were trying to adopt, but over time, images of L.L. became increasingly rare. The younger boy, J.L., testified earlier this month that he rarely saw L.L. before his death and spent most of his time in his room.

The trial has been told that L.L. was found unresponsive and severely malnourished, lying on the basement floor of his locked bedroom. Witnesses described him as looking like a six-year-old, despite being 12 at the time of his death.

Hamber and Cooney are also charged with confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessities of life to J.L. The Crown alleges that the couple abused and neglected the children.

Defense attorneys argue that Hamber and Cooney were attempting to care for children with significant behavioral issues, claiming they received little support from the Children's Aid Society.

During the trial, Powers presented evidence that included photos of the boys wearing wetsuits, which the defense claimed were necessary due to the boys urinating in the home. However, J.L. denied this assertion during his testimony.

The court also heard recordings made by the couple, including one where L.L. repeatedly asked to go outside, to which there was no response. In text messages, Hamber and Cooney referred to L.L. as "a loser" and expressed frustration with his behavior.

"He does needs go ... far away," Hamber wrote in one message. The couple was also recorded arguing with L.L. about his exercise routine, with one of them calling him a "f–king prick" and an "idiot."

The trial is expected to continue until at least mid-December, with more testimony scheduled. The judge-alone trial is presided over by Justice Clayton Conlan, and the Crown has called all witnesses so far, with the defense planning to present their case soon.

The identities of the boys involved are protected under a publication ban, and the trial has included testimony from various witnesses, including medical professionals and first responders.

As the trial progresses, the court will examine the circumstances surrounding L.L.'s death and the care provided by Hamber and Cooney.