Michigan Couple Face Murder Charges After 7-Year-Old Son Dies at 255 Pounds
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27
Michigan Couple Face Murder Charges After 7-Year-Old Son Dies at 255 Pounds
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27
Summary
Genesee County prosecutors charged Damien and Jessica O’Brien with murder, child abuse and torture over the November 2025 death of their 7-year-old son, Casper O’Brien.
An autopsy found Casper died of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by morbid obesity; he weighed 255 pounds, was bedridden and was reportedly fed little beyond snack foods.
Prosecutors said the boy, who had nonverbal autism, was not enrolled in school and received little to no medical care despite severe health problems.
David Leyton, the county prosecutor, said the parents’ neglect left Casper with bed sores, rashes and other disorders, framing the case as willful deprivation of care.