Michigan parents charged with murder after 7-year-old son dies weighing 255 pounds

U.S. newsMichigan parents charged with murder after 7-year-old son dies weighing 255 poundsExtreme morbid obesity ultimately led to Casper O’Brien’s death, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 26, 2026, 5:01 PM EDTBy Mirna AlsharifA Michigan couple have been charged with murder in connection with the death of their 7-year-old son, who was 255 pounds when he died, according to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Damien O’Brien and Jessica O’Brien were arrested last November after a witness called authorities. Both face charges of second degree murder, second degree child abuse in the presence of another child, torture and two counts of second degree child abuse, according to court documents filed in the 67th Judicial District.Their son, Casper O’Brien, died in November 2025, the prosecutor’s office told NBC News. The couple also has a daughter who, was 5 years old at the time. Floyd J. McCree Courts and Human Services CenterGoogle MapsCourt filings allege that the parents failed to provide adequate care Casper who had allegedly become immobile due to their neglect. Prosecutors say the couple did not provide proper nutrition, a regimen of exercise, or a safe and clean living environment, and failed to seek medical treatment for the child despite the family having health coverage.They were also charged with a second count of child abuse because they allegedly failed to care for their 5-year-old daughter, who “was morbidly overweight, was dirty, knots in her hair, naked outside when law enforcement arrived,” according to court documents. An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner determined that extreme morbid obesity caused Casper’s death. The report, released last month, allowing investigators to update their finding and present the case to the prosecutor’s offi...