Michigan parents charged with murder after death of seven-year-old son weighing 250lbs
Prosecutors in Michigan have charged a couple with second-degree murder in the death of their seven-year-old son, who weighed over 113kg and was immobile. The parents failed to take him to a specialist and his diet consisted mainly of chips and fries.
A Michigan couple has been charged with murder after their seven-year-old son died weighing more than 250 pounds (113kg). The investigation began on November 4, 2025, following a 911 call reporting a young boy in medical distress at a home in Flint township. The child, identified as Casper O'Brien, died after being taken to a hospital.
David Leyton, the Genesee County prosecutor, charged the parents, Damien O'Brien, 40, and Jessica O'Brien, 41, with second-degree murder. At the time of his death, Casper was 4 feet 2.5 inches tall (1.3 meters) and weighed 255 pounds—far above U.S. averages and pediatric recommendations.
A complaint filed by the prosecutor's office alleges the O'Briens caused serious physical harm to their son, who was reportedly immobile. Authorities also claim the couple failed to take Casper to a doctor and did not provide a safe living environment. Police found the boy in a makeshift bed shared by four family members, according to MLive. If convicted, the O'Briens face life in prison.
A forensic autopsy report states that Casper was last seen by his primary care physician in February 2024, when he was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist. His parents never took him to that appointment. “It was reported that the decedent’s diet was potato chips and fries because of texture issues,” wrote deputy medical examiner John A. Bechinski. Prosecutor Leyton told WJRT that the family had resources—Damien O'Brien had a stable job with health insurance.
Additionally, court records show the couple faces a charge of second-degree child abuse involving another child, a five-year-old girl, who was also found to be morbidly obese. Authorities said she was found outside the home naked, dirty, and with knots in her hair.
