Podcast Summary: Suffer the Little Children, (Re-Release) Episode 147: Alexavier Pedrin (Part 2)

Release Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Lane
Podcast: Suffer the Little Children

Episode Overview

This harrowing episode continues the story of six-year-old Alexavier Pedrin, whose short life in Wisconsin was marked by pervasive family turmoil, repeated CPS involvement, and devastating abuse. Host Lane picks up the narrative after Alexavier’s mother was incarcerated and explores the tragic events leading to Alexavier’s death on February 11, 2023, the investigation that followed, and the recent arrest of his father’s girlfriend, Josie Dyckman, who was charged with his murder.

Throughout, Lane provides a detailed recounting of welfare checks, the circumstances leading to Alexavier’s fatal injuries, accounts from family and children, medical findings, police interviews, and the community's call for justice and systemic reform.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Day Before: Welfare Check (06:49–08:59)

• Cousin Calls for Help: On Feb 10, 2023, Alexavier’s cousin, Raven Holzer, called emergency dispatch concerned for Alexavier’s safety with Josie Dyckman.
• Police Visit: Sergeant Joe Kernan responded. Josie answered the door after several minutes and let the officer check on Alexavier, who was asleep in the living room. Josie said he was recovering from Covid and had been given melatonin.
• Physical Observations: The officer noted a small cut above his eye and a bruise on his thigh. Josie claimed the bruise and scratch were routine and explained away the injuries.
• Derek (father) located: Eventually, Josie admitted Derek, who was not supposed to be present, was upstairs. He was arrested for violating a no-contact order.
• No Intervention: Despite signs of risk, the officer left, feeling there was no immediate danger.

Quote:
“Alex was scared when the police were here and said, ‘Mom, hold my hand. I hope all this is done now because he has been through enough.’”
— Josie Dyckman (06:49)

2. Discovery of Alexavier’s Death (09:01–11:26)

• 911 Call: On Feb 11 at 9:26 am, Josie called 911, stating Alexavier was non-responsive and near an empty pill bottle.
• Police Response: Deputies arrived and found Alexavier on a bed, stiff, foaming at the mouth, unresponsive.
• Resuscitation Attempts: CPR was attempted; black fluid came from Alexavier’s mouth—indicative of possible internal trauma or time since death.
• Pronounced Dead: Alexavier was declared dead at 9:44am, just 17 minutes after the 911 call.

Quote:
“He looked very stiff, as if rigor had already set in.”
— Josie Dyckman (10:47, related by Lane)

3. Inconsistent and Conflicting Accounts (12:01–17:46)

• Josie's Story: She claimed Alexavier was awake until 3am, watching TV, and took melatonin; insisted she called her mother before 911 due to PTSD from hospitals.
• Police Observations: Deputies and medical examiners noted discrepancies between Josie’s account and the physical reality (e.g., rigor mortis, bodily position, black fluid exuding).
• Caseworker Interview: Josie appeared tearful and emotional with CPS, but police found her calm and unfazed.
• Children’s Placement: Remaining siblings were placed with relatives under a protective plan.

4. Medical Findings & Evidence of Abuse (17:54–43:41)

• Autopsy Results:

  • Multiple blunt force injuries to head, trunk, extremities
  • Healing lacerations, abrasions, and bruising inconsistent with accidental injury
  • Evidence of dehydration, possible neglect
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) found postmortem; unclear if administered or taken
  • Official manner of death: Homicide from blunt force trauma, with sedative contributing

• Medical Staff Testimony:

  • Doctors and nurses recognized signs of “battered child syndrome.”
  • Injuries did not match the stair-fall story provided by the adults.
  • Medical staff reported lack of parental affection from Josie during hospital visits.

Quote:
“I think for a human to create the force that it would take to break that bone in that way, I'd struggle to say it wouldn't have to be something intentional.”
— Dr. Scott Baziner (41:49)

• Patterns of Neglect:
  • High rates of absenteeism reported at school (61 of 175 days one year, 40 of 101 the next).
  • Reports of withholding food, excluding Alexavier from family meals.
  • Siblings corroborate patterns of physical and emotional abuse, including choking, beating, kicking, forced eating of hot sauce, and denying affection.

5. Children's Voices: Forensic Interviews (21:51–37:13)

• Siblings’ Disclosures:
  • BP (5): Describes choking, kicking, and targeted punishment.
  • ARP (4): Recalls being coerced to push Alexavier down stairs, states Alexavier didn’t get hugged.
  • MH (8): Recounts choking, beatings, forced eating, Josie restricting Alexavier's playtime and speech, observing Josie bend Alexavier’s broken leg and threaten to hurt him more if he cried.

Quote:
“If you don’t stop crying, I’m going to do it harder.”
— Reported statement by Josie, recounted by MH (36:21)

• Older Sister AP (14): Confirms differential and harsher treatment of Alexavier and herself, recalls being cut off from seeing extended family, and describes witnessing fights between Josie and Derek.

6. Systemic Failures & Family Dynamics (43:41–47:38)

• CPS & Law Enforcement: Repeated welfare checks and medical alerts failed to protect Alexavier.
• Family Observations: Maternal grandma and cousin stress that Alexavier was loved by his extended family and that many opportunities were missed to intervene.
• Parental Dynamics: Derek alternately defends Josie and acknowledges relationship volatility, admits he "was not always a good partner," but claims no direct knowledge of the abuse.

7. Aftermath and Advocacy (47:04–49:41)

• Josie Dyckman Arrested: On May 19, 2023, Josie was arrested for first-degree intentional homicide and related charges. Her bond was set at $1 million.
• Community Response: Family and supporters organized protests, advocating for child abuse reforms and demanding justice for Alexavier.
• Court Proceedings: At Josie’s initial court appearance, officials stressed risk to the community and the importance of witness protection.

Quote:
“We’re here for my grandson Alexavier, who passed away due to child abuse... if we can help any other child going through this, that’s our goal and that’s what Alex would want, AJ would want.”
— Cheryl Anderson, maternal grandmother (47:15)

Quote:
“There are many people that could have prevented this... We feel his voice needs to be heard. What happened should have never happened.”
— Raven Holzer, cousin (47:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Child abuse doesn’t often affect just one child. Even if one child is targeted for the abuse, there’s a ripple effect that extends out to the other children.”
  — Lane (03:36)
• “It seemed so confusing... she agreed and said that she should not have allowed herself to fall asleep.”
  — Josie's comment to CPS (17:46)
• “He was a typical little kid that just had fun. ...I’m just so sad what he went through.”
  — Cheryl Anderson (47:04)
• “We asked for a high cash bond because we think it’s a danger to the public given her history with the children and the history in this case.”
  — District Attorney Tim Gruenke (48:58)
• “I just want it to go away.”
  — Josie Dyckman as quoted to police (14:52)

Important Timestamps

• Welfare Check at Home — 06:49–08:59
• Discovery and Pronouncement of Death — 09:01–11:26
• Police and Medical Interviews with Josie — 12:01–17:54
• Detailed Autopsy Findings — 17:54–20:31
• Children’s Forensic Interviews Start — 21:51
• Medical Testimony on Abuse Patterns — 39:03–43:55
• Josie’s Arrest and Community Advocacy — 46:19–49:41

Tone and Language

Lane’s tone is somber, empathetic, and driven by an urgent need for justice and child protection reform. She weaves official records and family testimonies with careful attention and respect, often moving, at times expressing sorrow, disbelief, and persistent hope for accountability. Family statements are poignant and sincere, while legal and medical segments are factual but emotionally charged when discussing failures and missed opportunities.

Conclusion

This episode lays bare the deeply tragic case of Alexavier Pedrin, exposing a pattern of abuse that culminated in his death despite multiple warning signs and institutional checks. Through detailed accounts from family, law enforcement, medical professionals, and Alexavier's own siblings, listeners receive a comprehensive and moving chronicle—not just of a little boy’s suffering, but of the community’s ongoing pursuit of justice and reform.

Listeners are encouraged to remember Alexavier and advocate for other vulnerable children, with a promise of updates and continued coverage as the legal process unfolds.

For further information or support regarding child abuse, visit childhelp.org or contact your local child abuse hotline.

Next Episode Preview: Part 3 will include interviews with Alexavier’s maternal family, continuing efforts to keep his memory and voice alive.