FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Michigan couple has been charged with second-degree murder, torture and multiple counts of second-degree child abuse in connection with the 2025 death of their 7-year-old son, who authorities said weighed about 255 pounds when he died. Damien O'Brien, 40, and Jessica O'Brien, 41, were arrested earlier this week and are being held without bond, according to the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office and court records.
The case has drawn attention because prosecutors allege the child's death resulted from prolonged neglect rather than an isolated medical event. Authorities said the investigation began after emergency responders were called to the family's Flint Township home on Nov. 4, 2025, when the boy was reported to be having difficulty breathing. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said an autopsy determined the child died from dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle, with morbid obesity identified as a contributing factor. According to the criminal complaint, prosecutors allege the boy was immobile and that his parents failed to obtain appropriate medical care, provide adequate nutrition and exercise, or maintain a safe and sanitary living environment despite having health insurance.
"This was a sad and horrific case involving the wanton and willful neglect by two parents for the care, welfare and medical needs of their son," Prosecutor David Leyton said in a statement released by his office.
Investigators also allege the family's home was in severely unsanitary condition when first responders arrived. Prosecutors said the couple's 5-year-old daughter, who is also referenced in the charging documents, was found outside the home in poor condition and is the subject of separate child abuse allegations. Authorities have not publicly disclosed her current placement beyond indicating she is no longer in the parents' custody.
Court documents further allege the boy had received little medical care and that a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist after an earlier examination was never completed. Prosecutors contend the family did not follow through on recommended treatment, though the defense has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Online court records show both defendants face one count each of second-degree murder, one count of torture and three counts of second-degree child abuse. They remain jailed without bond, and a probable cause conference is scheduled for July 2, according to court records.
