A couple from Michigan has been taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder, child abuse, and torture after their seven-year-old son passed away. Casper, who weighed 255 pounds, died from heart failure on November 4, 2025. Authorities responded to a distress call about the child’s worsening condition at the home of Damien O’Brien, 40, and Jessica O’Brien, 41. Casper was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to “dilated cardiomyopathy with morbid obesity as a contributing factor.”
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton expressed that the child endured severe suffering due to parental neglect, primarily caused by obesity. He highlighted the lack of proper medical care for Casper, who had minimal visits to the doctor and no pediatrician. The couple’s other child, five-year-old Illeana O’Brien, had also not been attending school or receiving regular medical attention. Their residence was described as a hoarding environment.
Despite the neglect towards their children, the O’Briens sought veterinary care for their dog on the morning Casper passed away. Authorities mentioned that neither child had any official records with the government, and Child Protective Services had never visited the family’s home.
Prosecutor Leyton emphasized that the circumstances pointed to severe neglect amounting to willful misconduct, leading to the second-degree murder charge. Casper’s height and weight at the time of death far exceeded the healthy range for a seven-year-old boy according to CDC standards.
Damien O’Brien was reported to have a stable job with health insurance. The memorial page for Casper’s funeral described him as a vibrant and affectionate child who enjoyed watching Super Monsters.
The couple is currently detained without bond at Genesee County Jail, with their next court appearance scheduled for July 2.
