Genesee County, Michigan prosecutors have charged a couple with murder, torture, and child abuse in the death of their 7-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death.
Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, were arraigned last week on charges including second-degree murder and torture. They are being held without bond. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Casper O’Brien died in November after first responders were called to the family's Flint home because he had stopped breathing, according to authorities. The Genesee County Medical Examiner’s report listed the cause of death as dilated cardiomyopathy, with his significant weight identified as a contributing factor. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart enlarges and weakens, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
Prosecutors allege the parents failed to seek medical treatment for Casper, despite the family having health insurance. According to the criminal complaints, the parents allegedly provided the child with an unhealthy diet primarily consisting of snack foods. Casper was reportedly nonverbal, bedridden, and suffered from severe bedsores and various rashes.
Authorities discovered significant hoarding in the home, with piles of trash noted by law enforcement and Child Protective Services. Casper was not enrolled in school.
One of the child abuse charges pertains to the couple’s 5-year-old daughter, who has since been placed in foster care.
According to the autopsy report, Casper last visited his primary care provider in February 2024, weighing 104 pounds. At that visit, he was diagnosed with a cough, congestion, and a metabolic disease. His mother was provided with information on healthy diet and exercise, and he was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, though he never saw the specialist. The specific metabolic disease was not detailed in available medical records.
An attorney for Damien O’Brien stated that his client maintains his innocence and that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. An attorney for Jessica O’Brien did not immediately respond to requests for comment.