Damien and Jessica O'Brien have been charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in connection with the death of their seven-year-old son, Casper O'Brien, who weighed 255 pounds (113 kg) at the time of his death in November 2025. Emergency services responded to a 911 call regarding a child not breathing at a residence in Flint Township, Michigan, on November 4, 2025. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Casper was pronounced dead.
According to a complaint from the Genesee County prosecutor's office, the couple is accused of inflicting severe physical harm on their son, who was reportedly immobile and lived in unsafe conditions. A forensic autopsy report indicated that Casper's diet consisted mainly of potato chips and fries due to texture issues. Prosecutor David Leyton described the living conditions as deplorable, noting that the boy was found in a makeshift bed shared by four family members.
Authorities also stated that the O'Briens failed to take Casper to medical appointments, despite having health insurance. Court records indicate that they face an additional charge of second-degree child abuse related to a five-year-old girl. If convicted, the couple could face life imprisonment.