A Michigan couple faces multiple criminal charges following the death of their 7-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his passing last November. Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, of Flint Township have been charged with second-degree murder, torture, and three counts of second-degree child abuse in connection with the death of Casper O’Brien.

Casper was found unresponsive in the family home on November 4, 2025, after emergency responders were called to assist with his breathing difficulties. He was transported to Hurley Medical Center, where he later died. An autopsy attributed his death to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by an enlarged and weakened heart muscle, with severe obesity listed as a contributing factor. Casper was 4 feet, 2.5 inches tall.

Prosecutors allege prolonged neglect and abuse, including inadequate medical care and improper nutrition. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton described the child’s diet as primarily consisting of snack foods and said Casper was bedridden and nonverbal, with severe bedsores and various rashes. He added that the home was in a state of hoarding, with piles of trash present. Court documents state that Casper was not enrolled in school and had only seen a primary care provider once in February 2024, at which time he was diagnosed with a cough, congestion, and an unspecified metabolic disease. Although referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, Casper did not attend the specialist appointment. The family reportedly had health insurance.

Leyton also stated that authorities found the O’Brien’s 5-year-old daughter to be in similarly poor condition, citing one of the child abuse charges involving her. According to court records, she was described as morbidly obese and was discovered outside the home unclothed, with knots in her hair and appearing unclean. Both children had allegedly never attended school or come to the attention of child protective services prior to this incident.

The O’Briens were arraigned last week and remain in jail without bond. They are scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on July 2. Attorneys for Damien O’Brien have affirmed his presumption of innocence, while representatives for Jessica O’Brien have not publicly commented.

Prosecutor Leyton called the case exceptionally tragic, noting it as one of the more disturbing situations he has encountered in his two-decade career. If convicted of second-degree murder in Michigan, each parent could face up to life imprisonment.