A Michigan couple charged in connection with the death of their 7-year-old son, who weighed 255 pounds at the time of his death, have been found competent to stand trial, according to reports.
A judge ruled Wednesday, September 9, that Damien and Jessica O’Brien, the parents of Casper O’Brien, are fit to face charges including second-degree murder, torture and child abuse, Mid-Michigan NOW reported.
Authorities believe obesity and neglect may have played a role in Casper’s death in November 2025, according to the news outlet.
“The forensic examiner said that they’re both competent,” Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a statement, according to the outlet. “In other words, they understand the nature of the charges against them.”
Last November, Jessica called 911 to report that Casper, who was non-verbal, autistic and bedridden, had stopped breathing at her home in Flint Township, Leyton told Mid-Michigan NOW.
According to a complaint obtained by the outlet, officers found the home “in really bad shape,” with a child in distress. Police reported conditions involving hoarding, including insect infestations, piles of trash and human feces.
Casper was transported to a hospital, where he died on November 4, 2025, WJRT-TV reported. His parents have been accused of severe neglect.
The TV station reported that Casper’s official cause of death was determined to be dilated cardiomyopathy. Morbid obesity was listed as a contributing factor, resulting in a weakened and enlarged heart.
Before his death, Casper was 50.5 inches tall and weighed 255 pounds, according to the TV station. By comparison, the CDC considers approximately 50 to 73 pounds to be a healthy weight range for a boy of 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 Casper had a younger sister and that neither child had attended school, according to the TV station.
Police said in a report obtained by MLive that the children lived in a home filled with trash alongside four dogs that were found to be in need of medical care. The house reportedly had a single toilet, which was not functioning and was found filled with feces.
Children’s Protective Services eventually took custody of Casper’s 5-year-old sister, the outlet reported.
Attorneys separately representing the O’Brien parents could not be reached for comment by the outlet.
According to Casper’s obituary, he also had a younger brother who had previously died.
The obituary described Casper as “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.
