A couple from Michigan has been taken into custody on suspicions of second-degree murder, child abuse, and torture following the tragic passing of their seven-year-old son.
The child, named Casper and weighing 255 pounds, succumbed to heart failure on November 4, 2025. Authorities responded to a distress call about the deteriorating health of the child at a rundown property owned by Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41. Casper was rushed to the hospital where he ultimately passed away due to “dilated cardiomyopathy with morbid obesity as a contributing factor.”
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton expressed, “This child endured significant and unnecessary suffering due to the negligence of the parents, which led to his obesity-related health issues.” The prosecutor highlighted that the child had minimal medical care, only visiting a doctor once.
The couple also has a five-year-old daughter named Illeana O’Brien. Investigators noted that neither child attended school regularly, rarely saw a doctor, and lived in a hoarding environment. Remarkably, the O’Briens sought veterinary care for their dog on the same morning Casper died but neglected medical attention for their children.
Leyton pointed out the lack of official recognition for the children by authorities, stating, “These kids were completely off the radar. There was no record of them attending school or receiving proper care.” He labeled the situation as severe neglect amounting to second-degree murder.
Casper’s height at the time of death was 4 feet 2 inches, with a weight of 255 pounds, far exceeding the healthy weight range for a child his age according to CDC standards. Despite Damien O’Brien having a stable job with health insurance, the tragic incident unfolded.
A memorial service for Casper, described as a bright and affectionate child who enjoyed watching Super Monsters, is scheduled for November 6, 2025.
The O’Briens are currently detained without bond at Genesee County Jail and are set to appear in court on July 2.