Alexavier Pedrin Obituary La Crosse, WI Death – Jury Deliberates in Wisconsin Trial of Josie Dikeman

The jury in the trial of 33-year-old Josie Dikeman has begun deliberations in the case surrounding the death of 6-year-old Alexavier “AJ” Pedrin. Deliberations started Friday afternoon following nearly two weeks of testimony, including emotional accounts, forensic evidence, and closing arguments in a La Crosse County courtroom.

After approximately 90 minutes of discussion, jurors requested to review multiple pieces of evidence, including forensic interviews and additional video material. Due to the volume of materials, the court adjourned for the evening. Deliberations are set to resume today.

The case stems from February 2023, when AJ was found unresponsive in the home he shared with his father, Derek Pedrin, Dikeman, and several other children. Prosecutors allege that AJ endured repeated abuse, including blunt force trauma, physical punishment, and neglect, and had drugs in his system at the time of his death. The medical examiner testified that blunt force trauma was the primary cause of death.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from children who once lived in the home, detailing alleged physical abuse, isolation, and unequal treatment of AJ. Dikeman has denied harming AJ, attributing abuse to Derek Pedrin, who admitted to being violent toward Dikeman but denied harming the children.

Dikeman faces charges including First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Chronic Neglect of a Child Resulting in Death, and Repeated Physical Abuse of a Child Causing Death.

Family and community members continue to remember AJ as a loving, playful, and resilient child whose life was tragically cut short.

The jury’s decision is pending as deliberations continue.