A Child’s Fatal Injuries (Image Credits: Pexels)
La Crosse, Wis. – A father’s secret recordings from jail laid bare a girlfriend’s apparent relief following the death of his young son, as prosecutors pursue homicide charges in a case marked by allegations of severe child abuse. The testimony emerged during the trial of Josie Dikeman, who faces accusations related to the February 2023 death of 6-year-old Alexavier “AJ” Pedrin. Details of the boy’s injuries and the events leading to his passing painted a grim picture in court.
A Child’s Fatal Injuries
A medical examiner determined that Alexavier died from blunt force trauma, with bruises covering his face, scalp, and neck. Internal damage included a lacerated liver and brain swelling, compounded by the presence of Xanax in his system according to toxicology results. The 6-year-old had been living in a blended family household with his father, Derek Pedrin, and Dikeman at the time.
Pedrin took the stand to describe his son as fun-loving and affectionate, someone who enjoyed playing with toy cars and riding his bike. He shared that Alexavier shared the home with siblings from multiple relationships, including two children he had with Dikeman. The father firmly denied any involvement in harming his children when questioned by the defense.
The Day Before Tragedy Struck
On February 10, 2023, Pedrin returned home from work to find Alexavier ill and vomiting on the couch. He observed no signs of abuse at that moment, though a no-contact order against him was active due to prior issues. Police arrived that evening and arrested Pedrin, preventing him from saying goodbye to his children.
From jail, Pedrin spoke with Dikeman, who reported no problems at the house. The next morning, family members informed him of Alexavier’s death during a jail visit. Officers had responded to Dikeman’s 911 call earlier that day, finding the boy unresponsive on a bed in his pajamas.
Efforts to Uncover the Truth
Paramedics noted foam at Alexavier’s mouth and a black fluid emerging during chest compressions. Dikeman told investigators the child had been recovering from illness and sleeping beside her, suggesting he might have accessed medication from a purse. Despite her urging him to stay silent, Pedrin cooperated with authorities to record phone conversations pressing for answers.
In one exchange, Pedrin informed Dikeman that investigators no longer suspected an overdose. She replied, “I’m so happy right now. I’m not happy, but I’m happy that I know nothing’s gonna happen. You know, I’m free.” Throughout the calls, Dikeman maintained she had no knowledge of the events leading to the boy’s death.
“I woke up, checked my phone. I took my medicine, got up to get ready. Looked at the kids. Alex wasn’t there,” Dikeman said in the recording.
“Then what?” Pedrin asked.
“I walked over and he was on the ground. I told the kids to go upstairs. I tried doing CPR,” she continued. “Then what?” “I held him for a while and cried and cried and cried.”
Defense Challenges and High Stakes
Dikeman’s defense team hinted in opening statements at Pedrin’s potential responsibility, but he rejected those implications outright. In another recorded talk, she expressed frustration to him: “I don’t get how any of this f – ing happened, but it’s a f – ing nightmare, and I hate waking up every f – ing day.” Prosecutors have charged her with homicide by chronic neglect, repeated physical abuse of a child, and related counts.
A conviction could result in a life sentence. The trial continues to unfold, with the recordings serving as a pivotal piece of evidence in determining accountability for Alexavier’s untimely death. Families like Pedrin’s grapple with loss amid the legal proceedings, seeking closure in a devastating case.
