Michigan couple charged with murder in 7-year-old’s death

A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses following the death of their seven-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds and died of heart failure last year. Damien and Jessica O’Brien, both in their early forties, were arraigned on Wednesday, June -25, 2026, in Genesee County’s 67th Judicial District Court.

Their son, Casper O’Brien, died on November 4, 2025, after paramedics responded to a 911 call at the family’s Flint Township home. Prosecutors allege the boy’s death was the result of years of severe neglect. An autopsy released last month determined the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, with morbid obesity as a contributing factor.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton described the case as involving wanton and willful neglect by the parents for their son’s care, welfare, and medical needs. According to court documents, the parents failed to provide adequate nutrition, exercise, a clean living environment, and medical treatment, despite having health insurance. The boy had reportedly seen a doctor only once in his life and had never been enrolled in school. Leyton stated the parents called a veterinarian for their sick dog on the...