The parents of a 7-year-old boy who died from a combination of a heart muscle disease and morbid obesity have been charged with murder and other crimes after a case of suspected neglect in Michigan.
Damien and Jessica O'Brien are charged with second-degree murder, torture, and child abuse, according to authorities. The case began in November when first responders were called to the O'Brien's home after their son, Casper, stopped breathing.
The young boy was bedridden, unable to speak, and living in unsanitary conditions, which made it difficult for paramedics to assist him. Casper died at the hospital, and the conditions in the house were so severe that police noted they could not enter the house to help paramedics.
Despite having health insurance, neither Casper nor his younger sister received medical care. The parents were employed, but they chose to call a veterinarian for their dog instead of taking their children to the doctor.
Casper's 5-year-old sister, who was described as "feral," was removed from the home by Children's Protective Services and placed into temporary foster care on the day of Casper's death.
