Michigan prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the parents of a 7-year-old boy who died last year weighing 255 pounds, authorities said.
Damien O'Brien, 40, and Jessica O'Brien, 41, were arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder, torture, and three counts of second-degree child abuse in connection with the death of their son, Casper, as well as allegations involving their 5-year-old daughter, according to court documents viewed by NTD.
Casper was pronounced dead on Nov. 4, 2025, after paramedics were dispatched to the family's residence in Flint Township after receiving a report that a child was having difficulty breathing.
Prosecutors said the boy was immobile prior to his death, alleging that his parents failed to provide adequate nutrition, medical care, and a safe and clean living environment for him and his little sister.
Officials said the home was "markedly unkempt" and contained piles of trash throughout, and that the boy's parents and sister "all displayed poor hygiene." Per the complaint, the sister was also morbidly overweight and was discovered naked outside when law enforcement responded to the home.
An autopsy report from the Genesee County Medical Examiner's Office reviewed by NTD found the boy's official cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease that causes the heart chambers to enlarge, making it harder to pump blood throughout the body.
The report also indicated the child was morbidly obese, with a body mass index of 70.3, and displayed matted hair, ulcers, and scale crusts on his body, as well as long, dirty fingernails.
"This was a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a statement shared with NTD. "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."
The O'Briens had their initial arraignment on June 24 and are scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on July 2.
If convicted of second-degree murder and torture, the couple could face up to life in prison. The felony child abuse charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. Attorneys for the O'Briens could not immediately be reached for comment.