Michigan Parents Charged in Death Linked to Extreme Obesity Neglect

In Genesee County, Michigan, Damien and Jessica O’Brien have been charged with second‑degree murder and multiple counts of child abuse after their 7‑year‑old son, Casper, died weighing 255 pounds. Prosecutors say prolonged neglect, inadequate nutrition, no exercise, unsafe/unsanitary living conditions, and failure to seek medical care contributed to his death, which an autopsy attributed to extreme morbid obesity. Their 5‑year‑old daughter was described as morbidly overweight as well. The couple was arraigned, with a probable‑cause hearing scheduled.