FLINT TOWNSHIP — Damien O'Brien, 40, and Jessica O'Brien, 41, were charged on June 24, 2026, with second-degree murder, torture, second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child, and two counts of second-degree child abuse. The charges in Flint Township, Michigan, relate to the death of their 7-year-old son, Casper O'Brien, in November 2025.

Police responded to a 911 call regarding a child in distress at the O'Brien residence on November 4, 2025. Casper O'Brien died that day, weighing 255 pounds and standing 4 feet 2 inches tall. An autopsy determined that extreme morbid obesity was a cause of his death.

A medical report listed dilated cardiomyopathy as the cause of death, with morbid obesity as a contributing factor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers a healthy weight for a 7-year-old boy of 4 feet 2 inches to be between 50 and 73 pounds. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton stated, "Their neglect led to their child suffering severe bed sores, various rashes and other physical health disorders including extreme morbid obesity that ultimately led to his early death."

Court documents allege that Casper O'Brien became immobile due to neglect. Prosecutors state the O'Briens failed to provide proper nutrition, exercise, or a safe and clean living environment for their son. They also allege the parents failed to seek medical treatment for Casper O'Brien despite having health coverage.

Casper O'Brien had never attended school and had visited a doctor only once prior to his death. On the morning Casper O'Brien died, Damien O'Brien called a veterinarian to treat the family dog. Police described the O'Brien residence as a hoarding situation.

The O'Briens have a daughter who was 5 years old in November 2025. Court documents allege the 5-year-old daughter was morbidly overweight, dirty, had knots in her hair, and was naked outside when law enforcement arrived at the residence. Leyton said, "On the face of it, this is cruel and extreme suffering from this child caused by the neglect of the parents."

Child Protective Services had not previously investigated the O'Brien household. Damien O'Brien and Jessica O'Brien are being held at the Genesee County Jail without bond. A probable cause hearing for the couple is scheduled for July 2, 2026, in the 67th District Court.