Michigan couple charged with murder over death of 7-year-old son weighing 255 lbs

A Michigan couple face murder charges after their 7-year-old son died weighing 255 pounds. Prosecutors say neglect caused the boy's extreme morbid obesity and death.

Michigan parents face murder charge after son, 7, dies from extreme obesity

A Michigan couple have been charged with second-degree murder following the death of their seven-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death, NBC News reports, citing Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.

Damien and Jessica O'Brien were arrested last November after a witness alerted authorities. Their son, Casper O'Brien, died in November 2025. Alongside the murder charge, both parents face counts of torture, second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child, and two additional counts of second-degree child abuse, according to court documents filed in the 67th Judicial District.

Court filings allege that the couple failed to provide Casper with adequate nutrition, exercise, or a safe and clean living environment, and did not seek medical treatment for the child despite the family holding health coverage. Prosecutors say their neglect left the boy effectively immobile.

An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner concluded that extreme morbid obesity was the cause of Casper's death. The report, released last month, enabled investigators to finalise their findings and refer the case to the prosecutor's office, which filed the charges against the O'Briens last week. The couple was arraigned on Wednesday.

The O'Briens also have a five-year-old daughter. A second child-abuse count stems from the alleged failure to care for her as well. Court documents state that when law enforcement arrived, the girl "was morbidly overweight, was dirty, knots in her hair, naked outside."

In a statement, Prosecutor Leyton described Casper's death as "a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son." He added that the couple's 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."

It is not yet known whether the O'Briens have legal representation. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for next Thursday in the 67th District Court.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)