Overview
- Damien and Jessica O’Brien were formally charged with second‑degree murder, torture and multiple counts of second‑degree child abuse and were arraigned in late June with no bond, with a probable‑cause hearing set for July 2.
- The Genesee County Medical Examiner listed dilated cardiomyopathy as the cause of death and cited extreme morbid obesity as a contributing condition, noting a body mass index far above normal for a child his age.
- Medical records show Casper weighed about 104 pounds at a February 2024 doctor visit, was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist but never saw the specialist, and then rose to 255 pounds by his death in November 2025.
- Prosecutors say Casper was nonverbal, bedridden and suffered severe bed sores and rashes, and investigators reported hoarding and unsanitary conditions in the home and a diet of snack foods with little medical follow‑up.
- A five‑year‑old sister was removed to foster care after authorities described her as morbidly overweight and unhygienic, and prosecutors say they will present the autopsy, body‑camera footage and court filings as evidence while the case prompts review of missed oversight by schools, medical providers and child‑welfare agencies.