Josie Dikeman Testifies in Homicide Trial, Blames Boyfriend for Child’s Death

Josie Dikeman, a 33-year-old Wisconsin woman, took the stand on Tuesday to defend herself against charges of first-degree intentional homicide and child abuse in the death of her boyfriend’s six-year-old son, Alexavier Pedrin. During hours of testimony, Dikeman denied causing the fatal injuries, insisting she loved the boy as her own and treated him equally alongside her other children. She characterized the allegations brought against her by other children in the home as lies and claimed she was unaware of the severity of the abuse the child suffered before his death.

The defense centered on shifting culpability toward the victim’s father, Derek Pedrin. Dikeman alleged that the father frequently abused both her and the young boy, detailing specific instances of violence she claimed to have witnessed. While the prosecution presented evidence of chronic neglect, including claims that the child was denied food and physically assaulted, Dikeman maintained that her household rules were misunderstood. She attributed her inconsistent memory during the trial to traumatic brain injuries she allegedly sustained from the father’s past physical attacks.

The trial continues as the jury weighs Dikeman’s claims against the autopsy results, which confirmed the child died from blunt force trauma and a lacerated liver. Previous testimony from other children in the home described a pattern of cruelty, including claims that Dikeman pushed the boy down stairs and inflicted physical pain. Dikeman remains in court to face the charges as the legal proceedings move toward a conclusion.