Michigan Parents Charged With Murder After 7-Year-Old Son Weighing 116 kg Dies (Watch Video)
A couple from the US state of Michigan has been charged with second-degree murder after their seven-year-old son, who weighed around 116 kg at the time of his death, allegedly died following prolonged medical neglect and unsafe living conditions.
A couple from the US state of Michigan has been charged with second-degree murder after their seven-year-old son, who weighed around 116 kg at the time of his death, allegedly died following prolonged medical neglect and unsafe living conditions.
The child, identified as Casper O'Brien, died on November 4, 2025, after being rushed to a hospital from his home in Flint Township following a 911 call reporting a medical emergency.
Parents Face Murder Charges
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has charged Damien O'Brien (40) and Jessica O'Brien (41) with second-degree murder in connection with their son's death. If convicted, the couple could face life imprisonment. US Shocker: 18-Month-Old Girl Dies After Being Left in Hot Car Overnight Post Fourth of July Party in Florida, Parents Arrested and Charged for Manslaughter.
According to prosecutors, Casper measured about 4 feet 2.5 inches tall and weighed 116 kg, far above the expected weight range for a child of his age.
Michigan Parents Charged With Murder After 7-Year-Old Son Weighing 116 kg Dies
Michigan parents charged with second-degree murder after their 7-year-old son died, weighing 255 pounds.
Casper O’Brien was just 4'2'' but weighed 255 pounds when he passed away, over 4x the weight of a healthy 7-year-old at that height.
Damien and Jessica O’Brien were charged… pic.twitter.com/1RSI4JZhYP
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 26, 2026
Authorities alleged the parents caused serious physical harm by failing to provide proper medical care and a safe living environment. Police reportedly found the child immobile and lying in a makeshift bed shared with four family members.
Missed Medical Care
A forensic autopsy report stated that Casper last visited a primary care physician in February 2024, when he was referred to a paediatric endocrinologist. Investigators said his parents never took him to the specialist appointment. Baby Girl Dies in Hot Car in US: 11-Month-Old Found Dead After Being Left in Four-Wheeler for Three Hours as Parents Go to Attend Church Service in Florida.
The report also noted that the child's diet mainly consisted of potato chips and French fries because of reported food texture issues.
Prosecutor David Leyton said the family had access to healthcare through the father's employer-provided insurance and was not lacking financial resources.
Another Child Also Allegedly Neglected
Court records show the couple also faces a charge of second-degree child abuse involving their five-year-old daughter.
According to the complaint, the girl was also medically classified as morbidly obese. Authorities said she was found outside the home naked, dirty and with tangled hair, raising further concerns about neglect.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2026 08:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
