Wisconsin
Child neglect charge will not be dropped against Dikeman in homicide case
A charge of child neglect in the Josie Dikeman case will not be dismissed.
La Crosse County Judge Elliott Levine announced on Monday that the felony charge of chronic neglect, leading to death, will remain against Dikeman, who is also charged with homicide in the death of Alexavier Pedrin, a 6-year-old boy in her care.
Dikeman’s attorneys argued that the neglect charge did not apply in this case. Alexavier died two years ago, and prosecutors say Dikeman inflicted multiple injuries on the child. Shortly after Dikeman was charged in the case in 2023, demonstrators occasionally picketed outside the La Crosse courthouse. On Monday, a small group of spectators quietly attended the court hearing, with at least one person seen wearing a shirt in memory of Alexavier.
A three-week trial has been scheduled for Dikeman this August in La Crosse. Dikeman had previously asked to have the case moved out of La Crosse County.
