Michigan parents, Damien and Jessica O'Brien, face murder and child abuse charges in connection with the death of their 7-year-old son, Casper, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death.

Investigation and Charges

Casper died on November 4, 2025, after paramedics responded to a 911 call about a child having difficulty breathing. An autopsy report from the Genesee County Medical Examiner showed that Casper died of dilated cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease often associated with severe obesity.

The O'Briens were charged on June 23 with second-degree murder and three counts of second-degree child abuse. One of the child abuse charges is in connection with Casper's sister, who was found to be dirty with knots in her hair and morbidly overweight when authorities responded to the Michigan home last year.

Attorneys for the parents said it was too early to comment on the allegations, as they have not received discovery from the government yet. The couple is expected to appear in court on July 2 and is being held at the Genesee County Jail.

Parental Neglect and Consequences

According to the Genesee County Prosecutor, David Leyton, the parents' neglect led to Casper suffering from severe bed sores, various rashes, and other physical health disorders, including extreme morbid obesity, which ultimately led to his early death.

Casper was not enrolled in school and was last seen by his primary doctor in 2024, when he weighed just over 104 pounds and was diagnosed with acute cough, throat congestion, and metabolic disease. He was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist but never saw one.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.