The 7-year-old’s sister was removed from the home after emergency crews responded in November.
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — Prosecutors say a 7-year-old Flint Township boy’s death began a months-long investigation that led to murder, torture and child abuse charges against his parents this week.
Casper O’Brien died Nov. 4, 2025, after his mother called 911 to report that he was not breathing, authorities said. His parents, Damien and Jessica O’Brien, are accused of failing to provide medical care, safe housing and proper nutrition before his death.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said Casper was nonverbal, likely on the autism spectrum and weighed 255 pounds when emergency crews arrived. “He was neglected and he was abused,” Leyton said, describing the case as an extreme example of child abuse tied to medical and living conditions.
Officials said Casper died of dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle, with morbid obesity contributing. Prosecutors said he was bedridden and unable to move. Court records also accuse the parents of causing serious physical harm and failing to provide a clean and safe home.
The investigation also focused on Casper’s 5-year-old sister. Authorities said she was found naked, dirty and with knots in her hair. Children’s Protective Services removed her from the home the same day her brother died, and officials said she remains in temporary foster care.
Leyton said the family had health insurance and the parents had jobs, but investigators found little evidence the children received needed care. He said the parents contacted a veterinarian about a sick dog on the morning Casper went into cardiac arrest, a detail prosecutors cited while describing the alleged neglect.
The O’Briens face second-degree murder, torture and multiple child abuse counts. They are being held without bond in Genesee County and are scheduled for their next court appearance July 2.
Author note: Last updated June 27, 2026.