Wisconsin Mother Accused of Homicide After Her 6-Year-Old Son Dies From Xanax Toxicity, Head Injuries

A Wisconsin woman has been charged with murder after her 6-year-old son was found murdered earlier this year, according to authorities.

On February 11, Josie Dikeman, 31, called 911 in the morning and said her son, 6-year-old Alexavier Pedrin, was unresponsive, WEAU reported.

First responders arrived at the scene and tried to revive the boy, but he was pronounced dead, officials said.

An autopsy was completed and determined the boy died from blunt force trauma with the toxic effects of Xanax a contributing factor, court records show. The report stated Alexavier had “injuries to the head and neck” and “multiple contusions of the chest and back” as well as a “fractured rib,” according to WXOW.

According to authorities, deputies from La Crosse County conducted a welfare check at the home just 15 hours before the boy’s death. Officers found Alexavier sleeping and he didn’t wake up despite deputies trying to speak with him several times.

Dikeman told police that the entire family was just getting over COVID and she gave Alexavier melatonin to help him sleep, WXOW reported.

Dikeman’s other children spoke with investigators and said they saw her hit, choke and kick Alexavier on multiple occasions, according to court records.

Alexavier was hospitalized in January with a femur fracture and a doctor at the time was reportedly concerned about possible child abuse, WEAU reported.

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Dikeman was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, chronic neglect of a child with a consequence of death and physical abuse of a child, repeated acts causing bodily harm, officials said.

On May 31, a judge ruled Dikeman's bond should remain at $1 million, WIZM reported.