A 12-Year-Old Boy Died Locked in a Basement Weighing Just 48 Lbs. Now, His 2 Moms Have Been Convicted of Murder

A tragic case has emerged from Ontario, Canada, where two women have been found guilty of the first-degree murder of a 12-year-old boy, alongside charges of confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessities of life. Brandy Cooney, 44, and Becky Hamber, 46, were implicated in the horrific treatment of the boy, who was in the process of being adopted by the couple.

The court heard testimony regarding the appalling conditions the boy endured. He was reportedly locked in a basement bedroom for up to 18 hours each day, where he was fed only pureed food. Tragically, he died weighing a mere 48 pounds. Justice Clayton Conlan, who presided over the case, described the actions of the women as demonstrating an “intention to kill” in his detailed 300-page judgement, which followed a lengthy trial that began in September.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented a harrowing narrative of neglect and abuse. Evidence pointed to a disturbing routine where both the victim and his younger brother were confined to their rooms from 6 PM to noon the following day, with the only exception being a late-night bathroom break. This required the assistance of one of their adoptive mothers. The boys were allegedly made to wear wetsuits which were zip-tied, restricting their movement and exacerbating their already dire situation.

The surviving brother, who was only 10 years old at the time of the abuse, served as a key witness during the trial. He recounted witnessing the gradual decline of his elder sibling, who succumbed to severe malnutrition. In an emotional testimony, he revealed that the victim had reached a weight as low as 43 pounds before his tragic death on December 10, 2024. One defence attorney infamously described the victim’s appearance as akin to that of a “Holocaust survivor,” underlining the severe conditions he faced.

Defence lawyer arguments suggested the women were overwhelmed by the challenges of raising boys with severe developmental issues, allegedly stemming from early childhood trauma. Cooney, during her testimony, sought to portray herself and Hamber as loving parents who struggled to manage the boys’ behaviour. However, prosecutors highlighted the strategic cruelty employed by the women, including using exercise as a form of punishment. A particular text message sent by Cooney to Hamber encapsulated this behaviour, implying that if the boys complained about food, they would be made to perform strenuous exercises in a confined space.

Justice Conlan expressed a lack of confidence in the women’s testimonies, citing numerous contradictions and a general absence of credibility. He clearly stated that he believed the surviving brother’s account over that of his mothers, which was a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s case.

In a particularly chilling piece of evidence, Cooney sent a message to Hamber a month prior to the boy’s death, expressing her fear that “he is suddenly going to die and I’m going to jail.” Conlan reflected on this text in his judgement, asserting that it raised significant concerns about the women’s state of mind and intentions at that time. It was a pivotal piece of evidence that strongly contributed to their conviction.

The treatment of the two boys has sparked outrage and led to discussions surrounding child welfare and protections in Canada. The case has highlighted significant flaws in the systems designed to safeguard vulnerable children, as well as the dire consequences of domestic situations that go unchecked.

Both women are due to appear in court later this year for sentencing. As the community reflects on the tragic loss of the young boy, many are left grappling with how such abuses could occur under the supposed care of parents. The case serves as a dark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting children from harm.