Josie Dikeman is charged with First-Degree Intentional Homicide in the death of 6-year-old Alexavier "AJ" Pedrin, a boy who was in her care when he died on February 11, 2023. If convicted, she faces mandatory life in prison.
The state says Dikeman beat this child to death. An autopsy found blunt force trauma across his body, a torn liver, brain swelling, a fractured rib, and Xanax at levels that would be elevated for an adult. Children who lived in the home told investigators they saw Dikeman hit, choke, and kick AJ repeatedly. She was the only adult present when the boy was found unresponsive.
The defense says the state charged the wrong carrier person. Attorney Christopher Zachar argues that AJ's own father, Derek Pedrin, caused the injuries. Pedrin was arrested for domestic violence hours before his son was found dead. The defense claims videos show Pedrin routinely beating everyone in that household.
Both sides need testimony from the children who lived inside that home. What those children saw, what they remember, and who they say did it will likely decide this case.
The system had every warning. AJ's biological mother wrote to CPS from prison three months before he died, specifically warning about abuse. The family called for a welfare check the night before AJ died. A deputy found the boy sleeping and unable to wake. He left. Fifteen hours later, AJ was dead.
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