WARNING: This article contains information regarding child abuse allegations.
A 12-year-old boy, severely malnourished and underweight, was examined by his family physician for an annual checkup just eight days before his death while under the care of two women in Burlington, Ontario.
Dr. Graeme (Stephen) Duncan provided testimony during the trial of Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, who have pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charges related to the boy they were attempting to adopt.
During the December 13, 2022 appointment, the boy, known as L.L. to protect his identity, had lost approximately 10 pounds in a year, weighed less than he did at six years old, and showed no signs of growth.
Duncan described the physical examination as notable due to the significant weight loss, although the boy was verbally responsive and polite during the visit.
The family doctor, with a patient load of 2,200 individuals in Halton region, mentioned that Hamber and Cooney claimed L.L. suffered from an eating disorder and vomited daily. Duncan had already initiated a referral to an eating disorder clinic pending further action.
Defense attorney Monte McGregor highlighted that based on prior scans and tests, Duncan should have been aware that L.L. was at risk of a potential cardiac event leading to his demise.
L.L. had reportedly decreased in size since his previous examination with Duncan the year before, McGregor added.
L.L., who passed away in 2022, pictured during an in-patient mental health program in 2019 at the age of eight. (Ontario Superior Court in Milton)
Doctor’s Failure to Adhere to Pediatric Guidelines Highlighted in Court
Duncan admitted to not following recommended procedures during the assessment, including inquiring about the boy’s eating habits, conducting a full physical examination, and measuring his blood pressure in different positions.
Furthermore, Duncan acknowledged not alerting emergency services despite L.L.’s severe malnourishment, nor advising Hamber and Cooney to seek immediate medical attention for the boy.
On December 21, 2022, L.L. was discovered emaciated and unresponsive in Hamber and Cooney’s basement, leading to his swift hospitalization and subsequent death.
A pathologist previously informed the court that the specific cause of L.L.’s death could not be determined but did not rule out hypothermia or cardiac arrest related to severe malnutrition.
Hamber and Cooney were also in the process of adopting L.L.’s younger brother, J.L., whose identity is also protected under a publication ban.
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