A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors say years of neglect led to the death of their 7-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds when he died last year.
Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, of Flint Township, are also charged with three counts of second-degree child abuse and torture stemming from the Nov. 4, 2025, death of their son, Casper O’Brien, according to ABC12, WNEM-TV5 and KXAN.
Officials said Casper died after paramedics arrived at the home after receiving a report that the child was having trouble breathing. He was taken to Hurley Medical Center, where he died a short time later.
According to prosecutors, an autopsy revealed that the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease that can lead to heart failure, and morbid obesity was cited as a contributing factor. If convicted of second-degree murder, both parents could each face life in prison under Michigan law, KXAN reported.
Prosecutors claim long-term neglect
Prosecutors allege Casper was immobilized, denied proper medical care or adequate nutrition, and was forced to live in dangerous conditions until his death, according to the indictment cited by WNEM-TV5.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Layton said first responders found the boy inside what police described as a holdup situation with little room to maneuver.
“What we’re alleging is he wasn’t being fed in a nutritious way,” Leighton told WNEM-TV5. “He was neglected and abused.”
Layton also told ABC12 that even though the family had health insurance, Casper reportedly did not have a pediatrician and had only been to a doctor once.
USA TODAY has reached out to Leighton’s office for additional comment.
Another child was also allegedly ignored.
The couple’s 5-year-old daughter is the alleged victim in one of the child abuse charges. The girl is also described as morbidly obese and was found undressed outside the home with knotted hair and dirt when officers arrived, according to court documents cited by KXAN and WNEM-TV5.
According to ABC12, Layton also claimed that the children never attended school and were never brought to the attention of child protective services or local authorities.
The O’Briens are being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court again on July 2, but USA TODAY was unable to reach their attorney.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT.
