A Michigan couple charged in the death of their 7-year-old son, who died while weighing 255 pounds, have been deemed fit to stand trial, according to reports.
A judge ruled on Wednesday, September 9, that Damien and Jessica O’Brien, the parents of Casper O’Brien, are competent to face trial on charges including second-degree murder, torture and child abuse, Mid-Michigan NOW reported.
Authorities suspect obesity and neglect are related to Casper’s death in November 2025, per the news outlet.
“The forensic examiner said that they’re both competent,” Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “In other words, they understand the nature of the charges against them.”
Last November, Jessica dialed 911 to report Casper, who was non-verbal, autistic and bedridden, stopped breathing at her Flint Township home, Leyton told Mid-Michigan NOW.
A complaint obtained by the outlet states officers discovered the house “in really bad shape” with a child in a state of distress. Police noted the hoarding including insect infestations, piling trash and human feces.
Casper was taken to a hospital, where he died on November 4, 2025, WJRT-TV reported. His parents are accused of severe neglect.
Casper’s official cause of death was determined to be dilated cardiomyopathy, according to the TV station. Morbid obesity was listed as a contributing factor to his condition which resulted in a weakened, enlarged heart.
Casper stood 50.5 inches tall while weighing 255 pounds before his death, the TV station reported. In comparison, according to the CDC, a weight of around 50 to 73 pounds is considered a healthy range for a boy Casper’s age and height.
“That is obesity,” Leyton previously told WJRT-TV. “This child did not have a pediatrician, was only taken to the doctor I believe, according to the police report, once.”
Leyton also said that Casper had a younger sister and that both children hadn’t attended school, per the TV station.
At home, they lived in an environment full of trash with four dogs that were discovered in need of medical attention, police said in a report obtained by MLive. The house reportedly had one toilet, which wasn’t working and was found full with feces.
Children’s Protective Services ultimately took custody of his 5-year-old sister, the outlet reported.
Attorneys separately representing the O’Briens were unable to be reached for comment by the outlet.
According to Casper’s obituary, he had a younger brother who previously died.
The obituary described Casper “a bright, loving young boy whose joyful spirit touched everyone around him.”
“He loved watching Super Monsters, especially his favorite character, Frankie Mash,” the obituary continued.
