Two Michigan parents face murder, torture, and child abuse charges after prosecutors said their 7-year-old son died following alleged neglect that left him immobile and weighing 255 pounds.

Damien O’Brien and Jessica O’Brien, of Flint Township, were charged June 23 with second-degree murder, torture, and multiple child abuse charges in the death of their son, Casper O’Brien, WNEM reported, citing Genesee County prosecutors.

The case began on November 4, 2025, when paramedics went to the family’s home after a 911 caller reported that a child was having difficulty breathing. Casper died at a hospital that night.

Prosecutors Describe Alleged Neglect

A complaint from the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office accused the O’Briens of causing serious physical harm to Casper, who prosecutors said was immobile at the time of his death.

The complaint accused the parents of failing to take him to a doctor and failing to provide a safe environment before he died.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said first responders encountered a hoarding situation inside the home, with little room to move.

An autopsy found Casper died from dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, with morbid obesity listed as a contributing factor, Leyton said.

Younger Child Removed From Home

Court records also describe concerns involving a 5-year-old girl in the home. Prosecutors said the girl was also morbidly obese and was found outside the home naked and dirty, with knots in her hair, WNEM reported.

The girl was removed from the home by Children’s Protective Services and placed in temporary foster care, FOX 2 Detroit reported.

Investigators said both parents were employed and had health insurance for the family, but the children did not receive medical care.

“They had called the veterinarian about one of their pets, they knew what to do for the dog, but they didn’t do it for their own child,” Leyton said. “Sadly, he died because of neglect.”

The O’Briens are expected back in court for a probable cause conference on July 2. If convicted, they could face life in prison.