The Misery Machine - The Case of Alexavier Pedrin

Starting point is 00:00:00 Own it all. Pay off your home, travel for life, drive a Ferrari. In celebration of the world premiere of the Monopoly, big board buck slot machine by aristocrat gaming, Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel is giving one person a $1.6 million dream package. The biggest prize in Yamava's history. Club Serrano members can earn daily instant prizes and secure a spot in the finale May 29th. Don't pass go and own it all.

Starting point is 00:00:21 Only at Yamava, celebrating its 40th anniversary. You win? Details at Yamava.com must be 21-20. Please gamble responsibly. Monopoly is a trademark of Hasbro. Hasbro is not a sponsor of this promotion. Introducing Taco Bell's new jalapino citrus salsa with bright citrus, real red jalapinos, guahillo chilis. Usually, you add sauce to the food, but when the sauce is this good, the food is just there to get the sauce to your mouth.

Starting point is 00:00:45 That rolled cassidia, not a rolled cassidia anymore. Now it's a sauce shovel. Taco Bell's jalapeno citrus salsa, get it with any item on the canteen of chicken menu while it's here. The participating U.S. Taco Bell locations for a limited time only, while supplies last, contact store for availability. You survived the Miami weekend, nailed the speech, and maxed out your credit card

Starting point is 00:01:06 in the name of friendship. Now you've got one hangover, four pastel dresses, and zero reasons to wear them again. Sell them on Deepop. Just snap a few photos, and we'll take care of the rest. And you at least get some of your dignity.

Starting point is 00:01:21 Money back. Someone on Deepop wants what you've got. Start selling now. Deepop. Where taste, Recognize his taste. Where is Daredevil? I'm right here.

Starting point is 00:01:35 Don't miss the return of Marvel Television's Daredevil, Born Again. So what's next? I'm going to take this city back. In an all-new season now streaming, only on Disney Plus. They're hunting us. It's time we started hunting them. I can work with that. This should be tons of fun.

Starting point is 00:01:56 Marvel Television's Daredevil Born Again, Now streaming only on Disney Plus. I knew about investing, but I really didn't know how to go about it. Meet Corey, a Walthfront client. With Wealthfront, it could put money in, and it would automatically distribute it into a diversified portfolio. Then it starts to compound. The compounding compounds on the compounding.

Starting point is 00:02:14 Just let it run, and it's great. Over 1 million clients trust Wealthfront. Get started at Wealthfront.com. Client was paid $1,000 for their testimonial, creating a conflict of interest. Outcomes vary. Investment management and advisory services provided by Wealthfront Advisors LLC and SEC registered investment advisor.

Starting point is 00:02:27 Investing involves risk to principle regardless of the strategy, Test performance does not guarantee future results. Content warning. This video is about a sensitive topic involving loss of life. We've removed any graphic content to comply with YouTube's guidelines. We aim to provide informative, factual journalism on a tragic event in the public interest that is not dismiss its seriousness. All clips are used under the doctrine of fair use for news reporting and analysis. The death of a child is something that no parent or community should ever have to bear.

Starting point is 00:02:55 But even more so when the death of that child was caused by someone who had to have a child who had a child had a history of committing violent crimes against their partner's children. That insult to injury, media coverage of today's story has been practically non-existent, aside from a one-minute news clip or a small blurb on a website. Today's story has many layers that we will unpack, but before we begin, I want to give a special shout out to a few people who have worked tirelessly to keep this little boy's name alive. Lane from Suffer the Little Children released a three-part deep dive in today's

Starting point is 00:03:29 case, which includes interviews with the victim's family. Lane's coverage provides an in-depth analysis not only of the victim's life, but of those who failed him time and time again. And last but certainly not least, the little boy's family, loved ones, and community members who have kept everyone up to date on the status of the case throughout social media. Be sure to link all of these sources in our description for you to check out as they provide a base for today's story, all because the mainstream media refused to show. shine a light on the loss of this little boy. About further ado, this is the story of Alex Xavier Pedron. Alex Xavier J. Pedron was born on July 10th, 2016 in on Alaska, Wisconsin to parents Derek Lee Pedron and

Starting point is 00:04:14 Jenna Love and had several siblings. He was described as being full of life with a strong personality and a contagious smile. His maternal relatives gave him many nicknames. He was often called Alex, AJ or even endearingly, Hammy. Alex Xavier was an adorable little boy with big brown eyes and sandy blonde hair. He loved to sing, dance, swim, and ride his bike, play basketball, and considered himself fast like Lightning McQueen. As relatives would later recall, Alex Xavier was very much a mommy's boy. He loved reading books with his mother and would tell her, you've got a friend in me, Mom.

Starting point is 00:04:52 First, it's important that we talk briefly about what Alex Xavier's family likes. was like before he was even born. According to reports, his mother, Jenna, had a history of run-ins with the law. As a teenager, she was involved in a car theft at 14 and was later charged with felony grand theft auto, although the charge was later reduced. Her behavior worsened over time, leading the substance use and running away from home. Eventually, she did a stint in the La Crosse County Juvenile Detention Center for Czech fraud. After this, Jenna stayed out of trouble for a period of time. Xavier's father, Derek, also had a criminal history and struggled with substance use. Derek and Jenna started dating in 2008 and had their first child, a daughter, in September of that

Starting point is 00:05:35 year. Around this time, Derek faced multiple charges, including breaking into a locked vehicle among others. He was later charged with violating the conditions of his bail and spent a few months in jail. November of 2008, Derek was charged with DV-related disorderly conduct. This led to a no-contact order in several conditions, including counseling and community service. This wouldn't be the last of his crimes. Rather than learn from his mistakes, Derek would continue to rack up charges and do short stints in county jail. By the time Alex Xavier was born, Jenna and Derek had separated, but Derek remained in his son's life as a co-parent. Prior to their split, Derek had begun a relationship with a woman named Josie Marie Dykeman. They lived together in the town of Madari, Wisconsin. Allegedly, Josie and Jenna were

Starting point is 00:06:23 friends in high school. Before she got together with Derek, Josie was dating a man named Dustin Barnes, who coincidentally was friends with Derek. Dustin had a daughter when the couple first got together, while Josie reportedly had two children of her own. This will soon become very important. CPS was first notified of possible family violence in the household in 2011 when Dustin's 21-month-old daughter was rushed to Gunderson Luther and Medical Center, reportedly after falling from the stairs. He ran a couple of tests and eventually found out that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury because of the fall. Her name has been redacted to protect her identity.

Starting point is 00:06:58 When doctors notified Josie, she claimed that this wasn't the first time that the little girl had fallen down the stairs. She claimed it had happened twice before and blamed the whole thing on a broken baby gate, which the couple didn't have enough money to fix. Naturally, this warranted a call to CPS who removed her from their care and placed her in the foster care system. She was eventually returned to the couple a year later while also being closely monitored by CPS.

Starting point is 00:07:20 2013, within two years of Josie and Dustin, accused of child neglect. CPS intervened again when a medical evaluation revealed that the same girl gone from weighing in the 85th percentile to the 6 percentile. She was severely underweight and malnourished. Medical examination also revealed that the girl was suffering from fractures in her hands and feet. Fractures to the girl's hands were consistent with someone slamming a toilet seat cover over her fingers. Josie claimed the young girl had gotten overweight after returning from foster care and that Josie had put her on a diet. Meanwhile, Dustin's mother, Paula Hernandez, claimed that Josie had restricted the girl to only

Starting point is 00:07:59 having three glasses of water a day. This was consistent with witness's testimony that she would be forced to raise her arms over her head whenever she had to use the bathroom, reportedly to stop her from drinking out of the toilet bowl. This time, Josie and Dustin were charged with child neglect and causing mental harm to a child. In November of 2013, Josie pled guilty to child neglect as a child. party to a crime. Mental harm charge was dismissed, but read in at sentencing. She received three years on probation and Dustin received a stayed three-year prison sentence, served after an unrelated

Starting point is 00:08:32 eight-year sentence for a prior conviction. Both Josie's mom, Rebecca Ellers, and Josie's aunt, Anne Ellers, testified on her behalf in court. Rebecca claimed that Josie had changed after having her own children, claiming she had been suffering from postpartum depression. Anne added that Josie had always loved children, that she had acted under the influence of drugs. Prosecutor, however, claimed that this didn't explain why this girl was the only child and not Josie's biological children who had suffered neglect in the home. During her sentencing, Josie reportedly told the judge that she missed the girl terribly and that she was sorry for what had happened. Now, Alex Xavier's well-being was resting in the hands of this very same woman.

Starting point is 00:09:13 At the time of our story, Alex Xavier was in the first grade and was living with Derek and Josie. According to family accounts, Alex Xavier missed quite a bit of school due to frequent illnesses or other family issues at home. His school noted poor attendance

Starting point is 00:09:29 but didn't see it as a red flag. Instead, they connected Derek and Josie to the lacrosse area family collaborative to help improve his attendance. However, when Alex Xavier did show up to class, he appeared dehydrated, malnourished with pale skin and suspected broken fingers. His front teeth were also chipped.

Starting point is 00:09:50 But even then, school officials said they saw no issues with Alex Xavier's welfare. They explained that the bruises and injuries seemed accidental and they did not suspect family violence at this point. Additionally, whenever Jenna would reach out to her son's school to request information, they would refuse to comply because they could not find proof that she had joint custody of Alex Xavier. According to them, Derek was the only guardian the school was aware of. In March of 2017, Derek and Josie had their first child together. Year later in August, they had another daughter. Seemed Derek and Josie's household had seven children living under one

Starting point is 00:10:29 roof. They were having trouble taking care of all of them. During this time, they were in contact with several social services programs. During to Josie, while Derek and the family were staying at Rebecca's house, one of the older kids found Alex Xavier, lying on top of his younger brother. Both of them were partially undressed. When asked about their actions, Alex Xavier reportedly responded that he didn't know. Later that evening, while Alex Xavier was being bathed by a family member, Josie voiced concerns about his behavior. Moreing to Josie, he was allegedly rubbing a toy on himself in an inappropriate manner. She explained that when Alex Xavier lived with his mother, she frequently moved and had relationships with multiple men. However,

Starting point is 00:11:09 relatives on Alex Xavier's maternal side eventually grew concerned about his well-finding, when he stayed with his father. At times, Alex Xavier returned from his dads with bruises or injuries that were hard to explain. In one account, family members recalled that Alex Xavier would say Josie was mean to him and punish him in bizarre ways. For example, she forced him to drink his own spit when he was thirsty. They also alleged that Josie would hit him for misbehaving. Ziz children confirmed that their mother also choked and kicked Alex Xavier on multiple

Starting point is 00:11:38 occasions. An anonymous caller informed child protective services that Josie, due to two brain injuries, is struggling with her ability to care for seven children. It was also reported that the parents often left the children inside without supervision while they smoked outside. They reported that the children were frequently moved from place to place, causing them to lose their belongings. The older children were missing days of school. The caller also mentioned an incident where Josie and Derek were babysitting an eight-month-old at her mother's house. Allegedly, the couple went outside to smoke, leaving the baby unattended, and the child fell off the couch. Then in early 2019, a concerned individual contacted LaCross County Human Services to report potential neglect

Starting point is 00:12:19 involving Alex Xavier, citing visible abrasions on his face and a bruise on his arm following a weekend visit with his father and Josie. Alex Xavier was taken to the hospital where doctors noticed three visible abrasions on his face and a horizontal bruise on the back of his right arm. At the hospital when asked about his injuries, Alex Xavier kept saying, wall, wall, wall, this was consistent with what Josie had claimed had happened, but he had slammed

Starting point is 00:12:46 himself into a wall while playing. While medical staff ultimately determined the injuries did not warrant a formal CPS report, law enforcement became involved just weeks later when Derek violently assaulted Josie, slamming her head against the floor and causing a traumatic brain injury. He was charged with DV-related offenses.

Starting point is 00:13:04 And despite the severity of the case, Josie requested the no-contact order be lifted and soon resumed her relationship with him. Later that year, Josie and Derek moved in with his ex-Gena and attempt to co-parent their children under one roof in Joplin, Missouri. The unconventional arrangement fell apart within a week when Jenna allegedly attacked Josie with a baseball bat in front of their multiple children. Chaotic home life and unstable caregiving arrangements prompted further CPS involvement across state lines, including temporarily removing the children in early 2020. Despite mounting concerns, Josie stayed with Derek, who would again be arrested for strangulation and battery in November of 2022. On January 16, 2023, Alex Xavier was taken to the Mayo Clinic for a leg injury.

Starting point is 00:13:53 Josie told the doctors that Alex Xavier had two injuries prior to them bringing him in for treatment. One was that he slipped and fell on ice at school, and the second was his younger sister had pushed him down the basement stairs because he was reportedly walking too slow. Josie claimed that when Alex Xavier was complaining of his leg pain, that she iced his leg until he felt better. It was a day after being pushed down the stairs, Josie claimed that they had taken Alex Xavier to a birthday party.

Starting point is 00:14:17 It was only until about 11 a.m. on January 16th, that Alex Xavier started complaining to them that the pain had gotten really bad. Or into the Facebook page, Justice for Alex Xavier, Alex Xavier was invisible pain at the birthday party and was kept in a separate room where Derek and Josie kept icing his leg. Eric also had to carry around Alex Xavier throughout the event, or he would be seen sitting somewhere because it was too painful for him to walk. Josie had reportedly searched up leg injuries for children in CA injuries while she was at the hospital, even making a call to her attorney.

Starting point is 00:14:50 She also reportedly complained that she didn't want the case being referred to Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center. Josie said that because of her history with her ex's daughter, the doctors there would make a biased decision against her and call CPS again. Alex Xavier was eventually referred to Gunderson Lutheran, but doctors there claimed that child's injuries were consistent with an accidental fall and that they couldn't find any evidence of mistreatment. Alex Xavier was sent again to Josie and Derek's care. On January 26, 2023, a social worker conducted a home visit with Josie and her children. Caseworkers report described the home as cluttered but adequately stocked with food, clothing, and basic care items. All the children appeared well cared for. During the visit, Josie voiced voice.

Starting point is 00:15:31 frustration that the Mayo Clinic's documentation did not accurately reflect what Alex Xavier had told hospital staff during his previous visit for a femur injury. She asked why CPS was still investigating if the hospital had deemed Alex Xavier's injury accidental. Caseworker explained that CPS had not yet received that determination when the investigation began, and once a case is opened, it must be completed. The report noted that Josie appeared irritated by this explanation. By early February of 2023, Derek and Josie's relationship reportedly turned violent. On February 10th at 6.14 p.m., Alex Xavier's cousin called

Starting point is 00:16:08 LaCross County Emergency Dispatch for a welfare check. She was concerned after learning Derek had been arrested for bail jumping and feared that he might still be in the home with Josie despite a no-contact order. Deputy Joe Kernan responded to the home and after knocking several times, was eventually let inside by Josie. She claimed Derek was not there and directed the deputy to Alex Xavier who was sleeping on a makeshift bed in the living room. The room was dimly lit, but using a flashlight, the deputy observed a small healing cut above Alex Xavier's eyebrow. Josie said Alex Xavier had hit his head on his school desk and said later that he picked at it out of boredom. Six-year-old Alex Xavier was in bed appearing to be deep asleep,

Starting point is 00:16:49 so deeply that the officer couldn't wake him up despite trying several times to get him to wake up and speak. Josie said the entire family was recovering from the effects of the pandemic, which made Alex Xavier very tired. that she had given him a dose of melatonin to help him rest. This probably should have been a huge red flag, as if Alex Xavier was already tired, he probably didn't need additional sleep aids. The deputy asked to check Alex Xavier again. Josie agreed, but asked that he not used the flashlight,

Starting point is 00:17:18 saying repeated police visits were traumatizing to her son. Deputy Kernan returned to find Alex Xavier in a different position, uncovered and wearing a diaper. Deputy also saw a bruise on Alex Xavier's inner thigh, but didn't pay much attention to it. Does he explain that minor bruises were common because the children were very energetic, something the deputy also observed?

Starting point is 00:17:39 During the visit, he noticed another child tapping on Alex Xavier's leg cast like it was a door. Deputy noted that Alex Xavier was sleeping and reported finding no imminent danger, thus feeling no need to remove him from the home. On the morning of February 11th, around 926 a.m., Josie dialed 911 in a panic.

Starting point is 00:17:58 She reported that her son was unresponsive and not waking up. First responders rushed to the home and found Alex Xavier lying on a bed unconscious and not breathing. Medics immediately attempted life-saving measures. They administered CPR and Narcan just in case the boy had opioids in his system. Despite their efforts, nothing revived Alex Xavier. The six-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene 17 minutes after the 911 call was made. deputies at the scene found troubling clues. Near Alexavier's body, they located an empty pill bottle in a bag containing prescription pills.

Starting point is 00:18:37 This immediately raised suspicion that Alex Xavier had been drugged. Emergency personnel also noted that his body bore visible bruises and injuries. Josie was the only adult present, and with Derek in jail since the previous evening, the focus turned to her. Well, the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office releasing the name and, age of the child who died earlier this month at a home in the town of Madeirae. La Crosse County investigator John Williams says the child's name is Alex Xavier Pedron. Emergency responders were called to the home for an unresponsive child February 11th, about 930 in the morning. Although life-saving efforts were made, Pedram was pronounced deceased. Now, the Sheriff's Department

Starting point is 00:19:18 did not release any other information. Alex Xavier's autopsy was conducted by Dr. Reed A. Quentin, a medical doctor at the Mayo Hospital in Rochester. Confirmed that his death was not an accident, but the result of brutal violence and poisoning. According to report summarizing the autopsy, Alex Xavier had blunt force injuries to the head and neck. These include widespread bruising across the scalp and face, a partially healed cut above the right eyebrow,

Starting point is 00:19:46 an abrasion on the back of the head, and two reddish-yellow scrapes on the neck. Most significantly, Alex Xavier had suffered hypoxic, eschemic brain dammed, a condition where reduced oxygen and blood flow, often following cardiac arrest, leads to severe brain injuries. His torso showed further signs of serious harm. His chest, back, and buttocks were all bruised.

Starting point is 00:20:09 Faint abrasions were found on his genital area. Internally, there was bleeding within the abdominal region, trauma to multiple organs, including a bruised and torn liver, hemorrhaging in the pancreas, and a fractured rib located in the back. Pouring to Dr. Quentin, these abdominal injuries, injuries were not the result of CPR. His efforts to revive Alex Xavier began only after he had already passed away. Toxicology revealed that Alex Xavier had high levels of the sedative Alprasalam in his system. Alprasolam is commonly known by the brand name Xanax, a prescription anti-anxiety medication

Starting point is 00:20:44 not at all meant for children. The autopsy also described specific trauma such as brain injuries and swelling. There were bruises in various stages of healing potentially indicating early your beatings and acute injuries from the final incident. Cross County coroner concluded Alex Xavier's manner of death was homicide, caused by blunt forced trauma to the body and exacerbated by Alprazlam intoxication. On May 19, 2023, a little over three months after Alex Xavier's death, authorities arrested 31-year-old Josie in connection with the case. Josie was formally charged with multiple serious offenses for what she allegedly did to

Starting point is 00:21:22 Alex Xavier. Specifically, the charges include first degree intentional homicide, chronic neglect of a child, and physically hurting a child. Chargers have now been filed against an on Alaska woman in the connection to the death of a six-year-old boy. Dozy Dykman faces three counts of first-degree intentional homicide, chronic neglect of a child, and physical use of a child. Dykeman called 911 the morning of February 11th, saying her son, Alex Xavier Pedron, was not responding. Cruz performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies found an empty bottle and a bag containing prescription pills near Pedron's body. The criminal complaint says an autopsy shows Pedron died of blunt force trauma. It says the toxic effects of a prescribed sedative was also a contributing factor to his death.

Starting point is 00:22:09 Dykman's children told investigators they saw her hit, choke, and kick Pedron more than once. The complaint also says a doctor showed concerns of child abuse when Pedron was hospital. a month earlier for a femur fracture. When Josie made her initial court appearance in late May of 2023, the judge addressed her bond. Given the severity of the crime and the concerns about Josie being a danger or a flight risk, the court set a cash bond of $1 million. Just a week after Josie's arrest on May 30th, 20203, dozens of protesters gathered outside the La Crosse County courthouse wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the words,

Starting point is 00:22:46 justice for Alex Xavier. They held up signs demanding accountability for the six-year-old's death, vowing they won't stop rallying until Alex Xavier received some form of justice. People continue to rally outside the La Crosse County Courthouse today to show support for the six-year-old boy who was found dead at his home in Mederi six months ago. 33-year-old Josie Dykman is facing multiple charges, including an intentional homicide charge for the death of Alexavier Pedron. Our own Dua is Rahr is live outside the courthouse where protesters say they want to see change.

Starting point is 00:23:17 Doa? Ken, dozens of organizers are lining up on these sidewalks. All of them are wearing the same shirt that says one thing, justice for Alex Xavier. Now this is just one of the many protests that have happened since Dykman's arrest, and I'm actually here with Alex Xavier's grandmother who helped organize this protest today. How are you? I'm good. How are you?

Starting point is 00:23:44 Good. What do you want people to know from these protests? Child is not good in any form, mental, physical, verbally. It's not good. My grandson did die because of it. And our big goal tomorrow is we have a court hearing and we hope the judge does not let her out. So no other child can be affected by this. And how often will you hold these protests?

Starting point is 00:24:12 We will keep going through the trial and probably even more so, so just, just since. so justice can be served for any child that has been abused, I would think, yes. Alex Xavier's aunt set up a GoFundMe account in late February of 2023 to help with legal expenses and awareness efforts. As of the date of this recording in August of 2025, the fundraiser has raised $4,410 of its $5,000 goal. Justice for Alex Xavier, Facebook and Instagram pages were eventually created to share updates on the and to shine a light on flaws in the child welfare system. Members organized and publicized the courthouse protests and community events at

Starting point is 00:24:56 Alex Xavier's memory. They also use these platforms to call out officials they felt were not doing enough. For example, they pointed out how multiple welfare checks and CPS visits failed to rescue Alexavier. In 2023, Alexavier's cousin launched a change.org petition addressed to Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and state lawmakers. This petition outlines concrete reforms needed to prevent another tragedy like Alex Xavier's. It calls to end qualified immunity for CPS and law enforcement and establish an educational neglect law to hold parents accountable when a child is kept out of school

Starting point is 00:25:34 excessively. It also calls to improve data sharing between CPS, police, schools, and medical providers, and extend deadlines for filing claims of injury in such cases. At her arraignment in June of 2023, Josie entered pleas of not guilty to all counts. Prosecution led by district attorney Tim Grunkey, prepared for trial by lining up evidence, not only the autopsy and forensics, but testimonies for medical professionals, police officers, and even the other children who witnessed the violence. In the beginning, Josie's defense attorney, Christopher Zakar, signaled that the defense might pursue an unusual strategy.

Starting point is 00:26:10 They began suggesting that Derek was the true culprit behind the boy's death. In the pretrial hearings, Attorney Zakar claimed to have recently found evidence, including recording cell phone records, eyewitness accounts that would indicate Derek actually caused Alex Xavier's fatal injuries. However, prosecutors responded by emphasizing that multiple eyewitnesses, including children at the home, specifically saw Josie attacking Alex Xavier on the night in question. DA Grunkey noted that nobody other than the defendant claims that Derek ever hit the victim, especially on the night in question.

Starting point is 00:26:42 Josie's five-year-old child was forensically interviewed at stepping. Stone's Child Advocacy Center in LaCross. His first comment to the interviewer was, Guess what? My brother died. He said that when children in the home got in trouble, they were yelled at or spanked, but Alex Xavier was specifically spanked, choked, and kicked. He stated Alex Xavier was often punished for lying and stealing things like tachis and Cheetos. He also claimed Alex Xavier drank poisonous water the day before his death and described his brother as looking like a monster. Another child who was also interviewed said that when When Alex Xavier got in trouble, Josie yelled at him while Derek would throw away his toys.

Starting point is 00:27:19 She admitted that she had pushed Alex Xavier down the stairs, but added that no one helped him after the fall and claimed Josie did nothing about it. When asked if she received affection like hug, she said yes, but said that Alex Xavier specifically did not. The 14-year-old child explained that while living with Derek and Josie, both she and Alex Xavier retreated more harshly than the other children. She believed that Josie disliked them because being under her care meant ongoing contact between their parents, Jenna and Derek.

Starting point is 00:27:47 She said Josie had threatened to take away the younger children if Alex Xavier continued visiting Jenna's side of the family. She recalled an incident, and this is how she described it, where Josie was on top of Derek at the bottom of the stairs choking. The 14-year-old believed Josie was using prescription pills, though she acknowledged they were legally prescribed. The last time she ever saw Alex Xavier was on his sixth birthday. She noticed he had a bloodshot eye,

Starting point is 00:28:11 but was told that something had just gotten in it. Then they interviewed an eight-year-old child who recalled the day before Alex Xavier's death, stating that his brother was forced to eat ramen with hot sauce, even though he didn't like it. At night, the family had pizza, but Josie refused to give Alex Xavier any of it. Instead, she made him eat leftover crusts from the younger children. Meanwhile, Josie's defense raised concerns about relying on children's statements. Despite this, Judge Elliott Levine determined that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. Dr. Allison Galwaukee testified about treating Alex Xavier after he broke his leg.

Starting point is 00:28:46 During her exam, she observed significant bruises on his forehead, eyelid, shoulder, and thigh. Josie's defense attorney suggested that Derek might have been responsible for these, but the doctor clarified he wasn't present when the fall happened. She pointed out that Josie herself had described the injury occurring while the child was under her care. The trial for the woman alleged to be responsible for a child's death may not happen until next year. Josie Dykman is accused of first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the death of six-year-old Alexavier Pedrin. In La Crosse County Court today, prosecutors requested a trial date be said, explaining they would need a week to present their case and hear from witnesses. The defense agreed, saying they think the trial could take three weeks.

Starting point is 00:29:26 Because Judge Levine's trial schedule is already pretty full for this year, he says Dykeman's trial likely won't be until 2025. Dijkman is being held in jail on a $250,000 cash bond. Special agent Michael Haverly from the Wisconsin Department of Justice also testified about phone records from the day Alex Xavier died. He explained Rebecca reported receiving a call from Josie saying she needed to call 911 urgently because Alex Xavier was unresponsive. Investigators noted that it took over four minutes after that conversation for Josie to actually call emergency services.

Starting point is 00:29:59 As summer turned to fall, Josie remained behind bars in the last. La Crosse County Jail. Her legal team filed various motions, one of which succeeded in reducing her bond to $250,000. In January of 2024, Josie's defense attorneys suggested that the trial could last three weeks. But because of a full court schedule, Judge Levine said the trial may have be pushed back to 2025. By December of 2024, after she had spent over a year and a half in custody, the judge agreed to lower Josie's cash bond from $250,000 to $50,000 with conditions like GPS monitoring and house arrest. Family and supporters of Alex Xavier were dismayed at the bond reduction as they had worried all along about the possibility of Josie being released before trial. During a hearing on

Starting point is 00:30:49 January 7th, 2025, Attorney Zachar filed a motion requesting that the court bringing a jury from outside La Crosse County removed the trial entirely due to the extensive pre-trial publicity. He cited the social media presence as evidence that local jurors might be biased. He also described the public's demonstrations as advocacy efforts that painted Josie as a killer. Judge Levine, who was presiding over the case, however, denied this motion. He expressed confidence that, even in high-profile cases, it's possible to select impartial jurors who will decide the case based on evidence not what they may have heard in the news. He pointed out that other local trials with massive publicity still use local juries and were deemed fair.

Starting point is 00:31:29 Judge Levine also refused to dismiss the child neglect charge, which was another defense motion. On January 18th, 2025, the Facebook page posted that Josie was now free on bond with a sealed and protected address. Alex Xavier's family was angry and disheartened. They felt there had been far less urgency when it came to protecting Alex Xavier himself. Despite the setback, the family was ready to continue fighting for the accountability they believed had been denied to him for far too long. As the trial date neared, both prosecution and defense,

Starting point is 00:31:59 sparred over which evidence would be allowed. One contentious issue was how far back into Josie's past the prosecution could reach to show a pattern. In May of 2025, Alex Xavier's family voiced frustration over being told they might not be allowed to wear justice for Alex Xavier's shirts in court. They felt that these were a simple way to honor him and to keep his memory visible during proceedings. They saw this restriction as silencing their efforts to advocate for Alex Xavier, question why their peaceful displays of support should be seen as inappropriate.

Starting point is 00:32:33 They were also upset by references to their courthouse demonstrations as picketing, pointing out that they remained on public sidewalks, respected traffic, and emphasized that their events were peaceful protests. They believe the system was making it unnecessarily hard for them to stand up for Alex Xavier, interpreting these limits as attempts to quiet the very people trying to be his voice. At a hearing in June of 2025, Judge Levine ruled that evidence from up to 10 years prior could be introduced at trial. This was significant because it potentially opened the door for the jury to hear about Josie's prior incidents in 2011 and 2013 with her ex-boyfriend's child. Alexavier's family expressed frustration when, on July 1st and July 2nd, Josie's attorneys filed motions seeking to delay the trial.

Starting point is 00:33:20 They saw these legal moves as another obstacle in a case that had already dragged on for two years. July 4th, Alex Xavier's family shared how painful it was to spend holidays without him, describing the difficulty of facing days meant for celebration while feeling his absence so deeply. They talked about watching others enjoy time with loved ones, knowing Alex Xavier should have been there as well. Even after two years, the grief remained raw, and they believed no explanation or acceptance could truly balance that pain. For them, the injustice and lack of real accountability were clear, driving their determination to keep Alexiard. Alex Xavier's memory alive and demand the answers they felt he deserved. Josie's trial was scheduled to begin in August with jury selection set for August 11th.

Starting point is 00:34:04 As with all cases that have yet to go to trial, Josie Dyckman is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. In March of 2025 to honor Alex Xavier's memory, his family planned a candlelight vigil at Dash Park in on Alaska during the evening, inviting anyone who wished to stand with them and remember the little boy's life. Alex Xavier's family chose to have him cremade, which was handled by the Kooley region cremation group in On Alaska. On May 10th, 2024, a beautiful sunny morning, Alex Xavier's family and supporters came together in La Crosse's Myrick Park to plant a tree in his honor. Alexavier's family was honoring him in a way they hoped would endure.

Starting point is 00:34:46 Family of Alex Xavier Pedron planted a tree in Myrick Park this morning in his honor. Six-year-old Alex Xavier Pedron was found dead in his middary home in February of 2023. Since Pedron's death, his family has been raising awareness for child abuse through the group Justice for Alex Xavier. Alex Xavier's cousins say they chose to plant a tree in remembrance because they can last forever. The exact location for the planting was carefully chosen by his older sister. It carried deep personal meaning for the family as it was the same spot where they had last shared time with Alex Xavier during a wedding back in October of 2021. The final occasion,

Starting point is 00:35:26 many of them saw him. On what would have been Alex Xavier's seventh birthday in July of 2023, a celebration of life was held. According to his obituary, the family organized a gathering on July 9th, 2023 at the Holman Area Community Center, inviting all who loved Alex Xavier to come remember the joy that he brought. Then, around the first anniversary of his death, in February of 2024, they organized a Remembrance Day. Community members held a vigil on a Sunday to honor Alex Xavier one year later. Community members held a Remembrance Day today for a Mederi six-year-old who died last year. Family and friends of six-year-old Alex Xavier Pedron gathered in La Crosse to honor him on the anniversary of his death.

Starting point is 00:36:10 The group shared memories of the boy and called for the end of child. The group Justice for Alexavier is looking to make statewide change. They've created a petition to end qualified immunity and reform welfare checks. Alex Xavier's family says this work is to honor him and make sure no other child goes through what he did. Not a day goes by that he isn't talked about or we look at his pictures. He's always going to be with us. I truly believe that he is with us. On his online obituary, people express deep sorrow over Alex Xavier's death and outraged that such a young child had to

Starting point is 00:36:47 adore so much pain. And he reflected on the tragedy of his suffering and the injustice of what he faced. People expressed their sympathies for his family, recognizing the love and care he received from those who truly cherished him. They offered prayers and wished for comfort and strength for his mother, grandmother, siblings, and all loved him, acknowledging the heartbreak of losing someone so young and innocent. Some were angry that anyone could harm a child so cruelly, calling for accountability and hoping those responsible would face justice. He praised his family for trying to protect him and vowed that his memory deserved to be honored with lasting love. They simply shared that they were moved to tears reading about his story and wanted his loved ones to know that they weren't alone in their grief.

Starting point is 00:37:30 Through all the messages, people hoped the family could hold on to the happy memories of Alex Xavier's bright spirit and eventually find peace.

The Misery Machine - The Case of Alexavier Pedrin

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.