Closing arguments delivered in trial for woman accused of killing 6-year-old boy
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) – The jury is ready on one final piece of proof earlier than rendering their last verdict in the trial of a woman accused of killing a 6-year-old boy.
For two and a half weeks, a jury trial has been happening for 34-year-old Josie Dikeman who’s accused in the demise of Alexavier Pedrin. The jury will come again to court docket on Friday to look over round two hours of bodycam footage.
The grievance says an post-mortem confirmed Alexavier died of blunt drive trauma. It additionally stated the poisonous results of a prescribed sedative was a contributing issue to his demise.
Dikeman’s youngsters additionally testified, saying they noticed her hit, choke and kick Alexavier greater than as soon as.
In closing arguments, state attorneys cited the severity of Alexavier’s accidents at his post-mortem.
“You saw the bruising on his body, on multiple planes on both sides of his face, head, and throughout all sides of his scalp, including on the top of his head. That was this defendant’s stamp of abuse,” stated Matthew Torbenson, District Attorney.
The protection says Dikeman can’t be fairly confirmed responsible as a result of the case was centered on defending a conclusion from day one.
“A 911 call comes in, reporting the tragic death of a child. Even in that first moment, Josie raises the possibility of overdose. So, what does law enforcement do? They sure happen. They arrive in minutes and immediately judge Josie guilty. Immediately, they conclude that she must have staged that scene,” stated David Bolles, Defense Attorney.
The protection additionally claimed that Alexavier’s father, Derek Pedrin, has extra to do with the kid’s demise than Dikeman.
While the state says that Derek is a home abuser, they are saying Dikeman’s protection is utilizing that historical past as a purpose to pin Alexavier’s demise on him.
“Don’t fall for this defendant’s smoke screen. Don’t let her use his domestic violence against her to allow her to get away with the homicide of a child,” Torbenson stated.
Defense attorneys inspired the jury to not depend on an investigation that sought solely for Dikeman’s guilt in the case.
“It doesn’t achieve justice when there remain multiple, reasonable explanations that are consistent with Josie’s innocence. It is up to you alone as jurors to determine that,” Bolles stated.
If convicted, Dikeman faces life in jail.
The jury started deliberation at round 3:30 Thursday afternoon and plans to decide Friday.
