FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (TCN) — After their 7-year-old son died weighing 255 pounds, a couple has been charged with second-degree murder, torture, and child abuse.
KCRG reports that an investigation into Damien O’Brien and Jessica O’Brien, 40 and 41 respectively, began Nov. 4, 2025.
On that day, paramedics responded to the O’Briens’ home after receiving a call about a child having difficulty breathing, WNEM reports. When they arrived, they noted the house was “horrific” and was consistent with a hoarding situation, according to Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton.
The child, Casper O’Brien, was immobile. He died that night of dilated cardiomyopathy, with morbid obesity as a contributing factor, according to WNEM. WJRG reports that per the CDC, a healthy weight for a child Casper’s age and height is between 50 and 73 pounds.
Leyton said, “What we allege is that he was not fed in a nutritious way. He was neglected and he was abused and his diet is part of it, and not getting whatever help he needed because he was nonverbal as part of it. All that adds up to an extreme case of child abuse resulting in someone’s death,” WNEM reports.
Investigators learned the child was not taken to the doctor despite the family having health insurance, per WNEM, although they did reportedly take their dog to the veterinarian for medical care. The children in the home did not attend school and the school district was reportedly unaware the children existed.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Casper O’Brien’s diet consisted of chips, fries, and juice. At the time of his death, he had bed sores. As of February 2024, he weighed 104 pounds.
The O’Briens were charged June 23 in connection with the boy’s death, per WNEM. Law & Crime reports they are being held without bond.
According to court records obtained by KCRG, the O’Briens have also been charged with second-degree child abuse in connection with the treatment of a 5-year-old in the home. According to law enforcement officials, she was also morbidly obese and was found naked and dirty outside the home, with knotted hair.
According to an obituary, Casper O’Brien was preceded in death by a younger brother. The obituary reads, “Casper was a bright, loving young boy whose joyful spirit touched everyone around him.”
If the O’Briens are convicted as charged, they could face life in prison, per KCRG. WNEM reports they are scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on July 2.
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