Flint Township Parents Charged With Murder in Death of 7-Year-Old

Two Genesee County parents are facing second-degree murder charges following the death of their 7-year-old son.

Damien O'Brien, 40, and his wife, Jessica O'Brien, 41, of Flint Township, are also facing child abuse and torture charges. The couple also has a 5-year-old daughter.

Authorities described the family’s home as a hoarding situation.

The case dates back to 2025, when a call was made to 911 regarding Casper O'Brien. At only age seven, Casper weighed 255 pounds. Yes, you read that right.

Unfortunately, the young boy died at the hospital. Reports indicate the cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that causes the heart to become enlarged and weakened, making it harder to pump blood throughout the body.

Absolutely heartbreaking. As I read through comments on social media, many people raised similar questions. Was Casper ever taken to a doctor, or was he attending school?

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has provided answers to both questions, according to ABC 12,

This child did not have a pediatrician, was only taken to the doctor I believe, according to the police report, once. None of these kids even existed in the eyes of the government. CPS had never been out there, nobody knew about these kids, they had not been to school.

Both Damien O’Brien and Jessica O’Brien remain behind bars at the Genesee County Jail. The couple is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

We will continue to keep you updated with additional developments.

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