Dikeman homicide trial in 2023 child abuse death still set for August, as lawyers continue to make motions about evidence

Attorneys in the La Crosse homicide case of Josie Dikeman case are making several requests in court, less than two months before Dikeman is tried for allegedly causing the death of a young boy.

Judge Elliott Levine made rulings Friday on how far back attorneys will be allowed to go, in presenting evidence about past events involving Dikeman. The judge indicated that evidence from the last 10 years may be heard at trial in August.

Dikeman is charged with homicide, child neglect, and physical abuse of a child in the 2023 death of 6-year-old Alexavier Pedrin, the son of her boyfriend. The boy was found to have died after physical trauma. During early hearings in the case, picketers sometimes gathered near the courthouse, carrying signs which said “Justice for Alexavier.” Evidence at the trial could deal with whether Dikeman was directly responsible for the boy’s death, or whether she witnessed abuse and failed to act.

Judge Levine expressed frustration during Friday’s hearing that motions on major issues were being brought up for the first time less than 60 days before the trial, in a case that has been in court for two years.

Another motion hearing is scheduled for July 28th. Jury selection is set to take place on August 11th, and three weeks have been set aside for the Dikeman trial.