Children Testify About Severe Abuse by Stepmother Leading to Child’s Death in La Crosse Trial

LA CROSSE, Wis.—Josie Dikeman, a 34-year-old mother facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide, chronic neglect of a child resulting in death, and repeated physical abuse of a child causing death, has had her trial marked by harrowing testimonies from children who lived under her care. The victim, Alexavier Pedrin, a six-year-old boy, was found dead in February 2023 after suffering blunt force trauma, according to an autopsy which revealed multiple bruises and internal injuries, including a lacerated liver and brain swelling. Testimony also indicated the presence of Xanax in his bloodstream.

During the trial, two children who resided with Dikeman provided graphic details of her alleged abuse toward Alexavier. The 11-year-old biological son of Dikeman testified that he witnessed her physically abusing the victim on multiple occasions, including kicking and choking him. He described how Alexavier was treated differently from other children in the household, often given noodles with hot sauce while others received pizza, and forced to eat crusts from the floor when his father wasn’t home. Another sibling, a third-grader, testified that he saw Dikeman push Alexavier down the stairs while the child had a broken leg, adding to the severity of the allegations.

Dikeman’s defense has attempted to shift blame onto Alexavier’s biological father, Derek Pedrin, suggesting he was the more likely cause of his son’s death. However, both children testified that they had never seen Pedrin abuse any of the children in the household. Dikeman herself claimed she found Alexavier unresponsive after waking up and speculated that he might have ingested medications while she was asleep.

The trial continues as jurors grapple with the disturbing details presented, highlighting the critical need for accountability in cases of child welfare and justice. The testimonies from the children paint a chilling picture of a household marked by abuse and neglect, leaving the court to determine the full extent of Dikeman’s role in Alexavier’s tragic death.