A Michigan couple has been charged with murder after authorities say their son died weighing more than 250lbs (113kg) despite being just seven years old.
The investigation into the case’s circumstances began on 4 November 2025 after a 911 call reported a young boy in medical distress at a home in Flint township, Michigan. The child, identified as Casper O’Brien, died after being taken to a hospital.
David Leyton, a local Genesee county prosecutor, then recently charged Casper’s parents – Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41 – with second-degree murder in connection with the death of their son.
At the time of his death, Casper was said to measure 4ft, 2.5in tall (1.3 meters) and to weigh 255lbs – the latter of which is well above US averages and pediatric recommendations.
A complaint filed by the Genesee county prosecutor’s office alleges the O’Briens caused serious physical harm to their son, who was reportedly immobile.
Authorities also alleged the couple failed to take Casper to a doctor and did not provide him with a safe living environment before his death. Police said they found the boy in a makeshift bed that was shared by four family members, according to the Michigan news outlet MLive.
If convicted, the O’Briens could face life in prison.
A forensic autopsy report states that Casper was last examined by his primary care physician in February 2024, when he was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist. Casper’s parents never brought him to that appointment, according to the report.
“It was reported that the decedent’s diet was potato chips and fries because of texture issues,” John A Bechinski, the deputy medical examiner, reportedly wrote in a forensic autopsy report, according to MLive.
“This child did not have a pediatrician, was only taken to the doctor I believe, according to the police report, once,” Leyton told the Michigan news outlet WJRT.
He further claimed Casper’s family did not lack resources. Leyston said Damien O’Brien had a stable job that provided health insurance to the entire family.
Court records also show the couple faces a charge of second-degree child abuse involving another child in the home, a five-year-old girl, NBC News reported.
According to the complaint, that girl was also medically considered to be morbidly obese. Authorities said she was found outside the home naked, dirty and with knots in her hair.
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