Michigan parents charged with murder in death of abused 7-year-old son
Casper O’Brien was 7, 50.5 inches tall and 255 pounds when he died in Flint Township. His parents now face murder charges as prosecutors allege years of neglect.
A Flint Township couple now faces second-degree murder charges in the death of their 7-year-old son, Casper O’Brien, whom prosecutors say was abused, neglected and left to suffer in filthy, dangerous conditions.
Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41, were charged June 24 in Genesee County’s 67th Judicial District Court with second-degree murder, torture and multiple child abuse counts. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton called the case “sad and horrific” and said the neglect was “wanton and willful.” He also described it as “cruel and extreme suffering” and “extraordinary, terrible neglect.”
Casper died on November 4, 2025, after first responders were called to the family’s Flint Township home for a child in distress and a 911 call that he was not breathing. He was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint and pronounced dead. An autopsy found extreme morbid obesity caused his death, with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure listed as contributing causes. At the time of his death, Casper was 50.5 inches tall and weighed 255 pounds.
Court filings allege the parents failed to provide proper nutrition, exercise, a safe and clean home and medical care, even though the family had health insurance. Casper had severe bed sores, rashes and other health disorders, and he had become immobile because of neglect. He had never been to school and had only visited a doctor once.
Investigators allege the family lived in a hoarding situation marked by complete filth and deplorable conditions. Prosecutors further charged the couple with child abuse involving their 5-year-old daughter, saying she was also morbidly overweight, dirty, had knots in her hair and was naked outside when officers arrived. Authorities removed the girl from the home.
Damien and Jessica O’Brien were arrested in November 2025 after a witness called authorities. They are being held without bond at the Genesee County Jail, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2026, in 67th District Court.
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