A Michigan couple have been charged with murder in connection with the death of their 7-year-old son, who was 255 pounds when he died, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.
Damien and Jessica O’Brien were arrested last November after a witness called authorities. Both face charges of second degree murder, second degree child abuse in the presence of another child, torture and two counts of second degree child abuse, according to court documents filed in the 67th Judicial District.
Their son, Casper O’Brien, died in November 2025, the prosecutor’s office told NBC News. The couple also has a daughter who was 5 years old at the time.
Court filings allege that the parents failed to provide adequate care to Casper, who had allegedly become immobile due to their neglect. Prosecutors say the couple did not provide proper nutrition, a regimen of exercise, or a safe and clean living environment, and failed to seek medical treatment for the child despite the family having health coverage.
They were also charged with a second count of child abuse because they allegedly failed to care for their 5-year-old daughter, who “was morbidly overweight, was dirty, knots in her hair, naked outside when law enforcement arrived,” according to court documents.
An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner determined that extreme morbid obesity caused Casper’s death. The report, released last month, allowed investigators to update their finding and present the case to the prosecutor’s office, which filed the charges against the O’Briens last week. The couple was arraigned Wednesday.
In a statement, Prosecutor Leyton called Casper’s death “a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son.”
“Their neglect led to their child suffering severe bed sores, various rashes and other physical health disorders including extreme morbid obesity that ultimately led to his early death,” Leyton said.
It is unclear whether the O’Briens have legal representation. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for next Thursday in 67th District Court.
