Michigan parents charged with murder and torture in death of 7-year-old son

Damien and Jessica O'Brien face second-degree murder and torture charges after their 7-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds, died in Genesee County, Michigan.

Michigan couple accused of murder after 7-year-old son, weighing 255 pounds, dies

A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder, torture and multiple counts of child abuse following the death of their 7-year-old son, uppermichiganssource.com reports.

Damien and Jessica O'Brien, of Genesee County, are accused of causing serious physical harm to the boy, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death and had become immobile, according to a complaint filed by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutors allege the parents failed to seek medical care for the child and did not provide a safe living environment prior to his death.

Law enforcement opened an investigation into the couple on 4 November 2025, court records show.

The O'Briens also face a charge of second-degree child abuse relating to a second child, a 5-year-old girl, who was found outside the family home naked, dirty and with knots in her hair. According to the complaint, she was also morbidly obese.

If convicted on all counts, both parents could face life in prison.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)