Damien O'Brien, 40, and his wife Jessica O'Brien, 41, of Flint, Michigan, were charged last week of second-degree murder, torture, and second-degree child abuse following the death of their son, Casper, last year.
According to People, prosecutors stated that Jessica called 911 on Nov. 4, 2025, to report that her son was struggling to breathe.
Emergency responders arrived at the family's rented home to find the boy in critical condition. Weighing more than 115 kg (254 pounds), he was entirely unable to move. He was rushed to a local hospital but passed away several hours later.
An autopsy revealed that Casper died from dilated cardiomyopathy, with morbid obesity cited as a significant contributing factor.
Authorities allege the 7-year-old was completely bedridden and had never attended school. His diet reportedly consisted almost entirely of potato chips and other snack foods.
