Michigan Parents Charged in Son's Death at Age 7

It started with a 911 call last November: a 7-year-old boy in Flint Township had stopped breathing. By the time paramedics arrived, prosecutors say the scene inside the house told a story police had rarely encountered in more than two decades of casework.

Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, have been charged with second-degree murder, torture and multiple counts of child abuse in the death of their son, Casper O’Brien, according to the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office. The couple was arraigned last week and is being held without bond in Genesee County, about an hour northwest of Detroit.

A 911 Call in November

First responders were called to the O’Briens’ Flint Township home on Nov. 4, 2025, after Casper stopped breathing. According to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, paramedics who arrived to revive the boy could barely get inside. “The paramedics went into the house to try to revive the child, and the township police wrote in their police report that they couldn’t even go into the house because there wasn’t any additional room,” Leyton said.

“Everything You Can Imagine”

Leyton described the home as filled with “everything you can imagine” and said officers found the couple’s 5-year-old daughter in the house without clothing. “It was just one of the most unbelievable scenes that the police have seen, that I’ve reviewed, in my 22 years as prosecuting attorney,” he said. The younger child was removed from the home; police have not released further details about her, and none are reported here.

What the Autopsy Found

According to prosecutors, an autopsy determined that extreme morbid obesity caused Casper’s death, compounded by a heart muscle condition. The medical examiner’s report, released last month, allowed investigators to update their findings and present the case for charges. Leyton said Casper, who weighed 255 pounds when he died, was bedridden, unable to speak, and suffering from severe bed sores and rashes at the time of his death.

“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,” Leyton said in a statement, describing the case as “a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son.”

Arraigned, Held Without Bond

Damien and Jessica O’Brien are each charged with second-degree murder, second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child, torture, and two additional counts of second-degree child abuse, according to court documents filed in the 67th Judicial District. It is unclear whether the couple currently has legal representation.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Thursday in 67th District Court. The case remains under investigation, and prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges are expected.

References: Michigan parents charged with murder after 7-year-old son dies weighing 255 pounds | Parents charged with murder in death of 7-year-old son who weighed 255 pounds