A Michigan couple has been charged with murder, torture and child abuse following the death of their seven-year-old son, whose extreme obesity was identified as a contributing factor in his death.
Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, were charged with second-degree murder, torture and three counts of second-degree child abuse after their son, Casper O’Brien, died in November at the family’s home in Flint, Michigan.
Both parents are being held without bond pending further court proceedings. According to prosecutors, emergency responders were called after Casper stopped breathing. An autopsy found that the seven-year-old, who was 128 cm (4 ft 2 in) tall and weighed 116 kg (255 lbs), died from dilated cardiomyopathy a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened with his extreme weight listed as a contributing factor.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton alleged that the parents failed to provide proper nutrition and neglected to seek necessary medical care despite having health insurance. Authorities claim the child had not received recommended specialist treatment after being referred to a paediatric endocrinologist in 2024.
Investigators also reported that Casper was non-verbal, bedridden, suffered from severe bedsores and skin rashes, and was living in a home filled with large amounts of rubbish. Authorities said he was not enrolled in school. Medical records showed that during his last primary care visit in February 2024, Casper weighed 47 kg (104 lbs) and was diagnosed with a metabolic disease.
His mother was reportedly given guidance on healthy nutrition and exercise, but prosecutors say the recommended follow-up care was never completed. The case also includes a child abuse charge relating to the couple’s five-year-old daughter, who has since been placed in foster care.Damien O’Brien’s attorney said his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Jessica O’Brien’s attorney had not publicly commented on the charges at the time of reporting. Prosecutor Leyton described the case as one of the most disturbing he has encountered during his more than two decades in office, calling it “a very, very sad and tragic situation.”
