Casper O’Brien was 7 years old when his heart gave out.
He weighed 116 kilos. In Michigan, United States, the boy spent almost all day lying down, without moving, eating mostly French fries and ultra-processed products. In less than two years, he had gained almost 70 kilos. He had autism and, according to the investigation, his parents had medical coverage to take him to an endocrinologist. They never made that appointment.
When authorities entered the home, they found alarming hygiene conditions. They now face second-degree homicide charges for extreme negligence. His younger sister, who also suffers from severe obesity, was separated from the family and placed in foster care. Sometimes food is not the problem: it is the silence of those who were supposed to care for them.