Courts
Dikeman trial in La Crosse County infant death still several months out
It could take another year before a homicide trial for a child’s death happens in La Crosse County court.
Josie Dikeman’s trial is scheduled for August, but pre-trial preparations could push that date back even further. The Onalaska woman is charged with alleged physical abuse that led to the death of 6-year-old Alexavier Pedrin back in early 2023.
Dikeman’s defense attorneys are seeking a change of venue because of publicity about the case, along with questioning the legality of one criminal charge.
La Crosse County Judge Elliott Levine plans to hold a hearing in January on whether to move the murder trial.
In court Tuesday, Levine suggested that an impartial jury can be found within the county, because other highly-publicized court cases have been tried in La Crosse over the last few years with local juries.
During hearings in the Dikeman case, spectators have frequently come to court wearing shirts that bear a photo of Alexavier.
