Michigan parents charged with murder of obese 7-year-old son

The parents of a 7-year-old Michigan boy who weighed 116 kg at death have been charged with murder, torture, and child abuse. Casper O’Brien died in November 2024 in Flint, Michigan. First responders were called to the family home because he had stopped breathing. His parents, Damien O’Brien (40) and Jessica O’Brien (41), were arraigned last week and are held without bond in Genesee County jail. They face second-degree murder, torture, and three counts of second-degree child abuse. The Genesee County Medical Examiner’s report classified the child, who was 128 cm tall, as obese. Cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, with weight as a contributing condition. Prosecutor David Leyton stated the parents were feeding the child improperly. A probable cause hearing is set for Thursday.