A couple from Michigan has been taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree homicide, child abuse, and torture following the passing of their seven-year-old son.
The boy named Casper, who weighed 255 pounds, passed away due to heart failure on November 4, 2025. Authorities responded to a distress call concerning the deteriorating health of the child at a rundown residence owned by Damien O’Brien, 40, and his wife 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 had endured severe suffering due to parental neglect, particularly in terms of obesity. Casper had minimal medical attention, with only one known visit to a doctor.
The couple also has a five-year-old daughter named Illeana O’Brien. Both children had not been attending school regularly and rarely received medical care, residing in a hoarding environment. Surprisingly, the O’Briens sought veterinary care for their dog on the morning of Casper’s tragic death.
Leyton highlighted the lack of government awareness regarding the children’s existence, emphasizing the extreme neglect and misconduct that led to Casper’s demise. The prosecutor noted that at the time of death, Casper’s weight far exceeded the healthy range for a boy his age and height according to CDC standards.
Despite Damien O’Brien’s stable job and health insurance coverage, the couple remains detained without bond at Genesee County Jail, awaiting their court appearance on July 2.
A memorial service for Casper is set for November 6, 2025, portraying him as a vibrant and affectionate child who enjoyed watching Super Monsters, particularly his favorite character, Frankie Mash.
