Parents charged with murder, torture in death of 7-year-old son who weighed 255 pounds

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WNEM/Gray News) — A Michigan couple is facing charges for the death of their 7-year-old son who officials said weighed 255 pounds at his death.

Damien and Jessica O’Brien are charged with second degree murder, torture and multiple child abuse charges.

According to a complaint from the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office, the O’Briens are accused of causing serious physical harm to their child, who weighed 255 pounds when he died. Prosecutors said the child was immobile.

The parents are accused of not taking the boy to the doctor and failing to provide a safe environment prior to his death.

The prosecutor’s office said law enforcement began investigating the parents on Nov. 4, 2025.

Court records show the couple is also charged with second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child who was 5 years old. According to the complaint, the girl was also morbidly obese. Law enforcement found her outside the home naked, dirty and with knots in her hair.

If convicted, the O’Briens could face life in prison.