Details released in the death of 'extremely obese' 7-year-old Michigan boy

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (GRAY NEWS) — Police released details about the death of an "extremely obese" 7-year-old Michigan boy who died last November from cardiac arrest.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the boy, Casper O'Brien, died in November 2025. Flint Township Police were called to the family's home for a report of a pediatric cardiac arrest.

At the time, Leyton said, Casper weighed 255 pounds.

An officer at the scene described extreme hoarding and deplorable living conditions. According to police, the floor of the home wasn't visible. The affidavit says there was no working toilet and a large amount of feces was reported throughout the house.

Police said O'Brien was visibly dirty and wearing a soiled diaper. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures inside the home. He was later taken to the hospital.

A doctor suspected child abuse and neglect may have contributed to his death. Police said O'Brien had "some of the worst open sores and rashes they've ever seen."

The Genesee County medical examiner ruled Casper died from "dilated cardiomyopathy," with morbid obesity contributing.

The child's parents, Jessica and Damien O'Brien, are charged with second-degree murder, torture and multiple child abuse charges. The abuse charges are also connected to Casper's 5-year-old sister, who police said they found naked. Doctors said she is also morbidly obese, weighing 130 pounds with poor hygiene and a significant cough.