Podcast Summary

Suffer the Little Children – (Re-Release) Episode 148: Alexavier Pedrin (Part 3)

Release Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Lane
Guests: Raven Holzer (Alexavier’s cousin), Annie Anderson (Alexavier’s aunt)

Episode Overview

This emotional and detail-rich episode concludes the three-part coverage of Alexavier Pedrin’s tragic case. Host Lane is joined by two family members, Raven and Annie, who recount Alexavier’s life, the extensive failures by institutions meant to protect him, and their tireless advocacy for justice. The episode weaves together court records, family memories, and direct testimony about systemic failures, culminating in a call for accountability and reform within CPS and related agencies.

Key Discussion Points

1. Case Developments and Court Testimony

• Autopsy & Legal Progress (01:00–03:30)

  • Dr. Reed Quinton, the pathologist, testified to "a constellation of injuries to the head, trunk and extremities, including about 15 bruises to [Alexavier's] face, scalp and neck alone." (02:50)
  • The level of Xanax in Alexavier’s system "would be elevated even for an adult." Blunt force trauma caused lethal internal bleeding.
  • Judge declined to reduce bond for Josie Dykman, father's girlfriend now charged with murder; preliminary hearing continued.

• Custody Battle Documentation (04:00–09:50)

  • Court records: Josie had a contentious custody situation with her ex, Mark Hellerud Jr., who cited neglect, secret medical decisions, and troubling school attendance.
  • Mark’s affidavit after Alexavier's death: His son recounted witnessing Josie abuse Alexavier, including choking, food punishment, and physical beatings. (07:07)
  • Reports of "Mom would punish Alex really bad... My mom used to stuff apple slices down his throat... My mom broke Alex’s leg before."
    — Sharon Hellerud quoting her grandson, MH (07:07)

2. Remembering Alexavier – Family Memories & Bonds

• Alexavier’s Personality and Early Childhood (10:30–15:22)

  • Deeply bonded with his mother Jenna and older sister; happiest in the country, adored race cars, adored his uncle Justin.
  • "All he wanted to do was fast cars, tractors, big trucks… He loved to fix things. He was a big outdoors kid… He was very hyper."
    — Raven Holzer (10:30)

• Family Connections and Loss (13:30–16:33)

  • Alexavier's cousin and aunt describe him as joyful, busy, always up for adventure with cousins (“the three musketeers”).
  • His younger sister struggled to understand his absence, wishing to "swing high so she can get closer to her brother," and wishing for his return at Christmas.
    — Annie Anderson (15:22)

3. Systemic Failures and Repeated Red Flags

• CPS and School Failures (16:39–23:24)

  • Multiple family pleas, welfare checks, and CPS reports were dismissed or ignored.
  • School staff and teachers failed to act on obvious signs—Absenteeism, bruises, malnourishment: "He’s missing 240 days of school last year... We’re not really concerned. You’re not, it’s not a state law. It is. They are mandatory reporters."
    — Raven (21:54)

• Medical Red Flags and Home Visits (23:24–25:08)

  • Doctors flagged a broken femur as abuse; CPS overruled, returning the child home without adequate follow-up.
  • "At the time of Alexavier's death, there was a chips case that was open because he had a broken femur and he wasn't taken to the hospital for days after it had happened… CPS came in and said, well, we deem them safe and fit and you have to release the child back to the home. And three weeks later, you know, our worst nightmare became reality."
    — Annie (21:54)

4. Patterns of Abuse and Alienation

• Isolation from Maternal Family (16:39–18:40)

  • The father's girlfriend, Josie, allegedly used anger and manipulation to keep Alexavier away from his maternal relatives.
  • "He was completely alienated from my entire family... when we would see him, he would not run up to us."
    — Raven (16:39)

• Direct Accounts of Targeted Abuse (24:45–28:21)

  • Raven shares concerns over injuries excused with dubious explanations (e.g., bug spray in eyes), and a pattern of singling out Alexavier for the worst abuse.

5. Past Abuse and Parental Dynamics

• Cycle of Violence and Jealousy (25:08–28:48)

  • Episode uncovers Josie's repeat abuse history dating back to 2013, marked by drug use and child neglect, and rumors she targeted Alexavier due to issues with his mother Jenna.
  • "I believe that it had to do with Josie the perpetrator being Jenna’s victim. As to why she was targeting her son—because she can’t hurt Jenna anymore, but she can hurt her son."
    — Annie (24:49)

• Complex Blended Family Histories (27:45–30:22)

  • Explains overlapping pregnancies, betrayals, and broken relationships fueling household instability.

6. Institutional Deflections and Lack of Accountability

• Failures of Child Protective Services (37:40–66:18)

  • Family reports repeated systematic stonewalling, records “disappearing,” and being accused of harassment for seeking help.
  • "We got a lot of, oh, that’s not our department. You have to talk to this team. My question is: you are all government employees. The well being of the community should be your number one goal."
    — Annie (62:34)

• Professional Apathy, Excuses, and Immunity

  • "Immunity shouldn't be as strong as it is… How do they get held accountable for the things that they mess up? And I mean, because, oh well, I messed up. There's a dead kid. So... Well, moving on."
    — Annie/Raven (63:49)

• Emotional Toll and Advocacy

  • Raven laments: "The same people that failed him are still working with other children, are still working the case with her children. And it’s disgusting..." (64:01)

7. Personal Impact, Grief, and Fighting for Change

• Lingering Trauma and Desire for Justice (47:08–69:42)

  • Raven and Annie detail the heartbreaking experience of learning of Alexavier's death, blaming themselves, and navigating a broken support system.
  • "I’m not going to settle or be quiet about his justice… I’m not going to stop for other children. There’s a lot of victims…"
    — Raven (56:04)

• Impact on Surviving Children and Family

  • Survivors devastated, little sister’s coping mechanisms highlight psychological damage.
  • Plans for a celebration of life are on hold due to ongoing investigation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On institutional refusal:
  "You don't use kids as a pawn or a paycheck." — Annie (30:11)

• On repeated failures:
  "Your ignorance is going to be the reason children die." — Raven confronting CPS (18:43)

• After the final welfare check:
  "If my suspicions are valid, that's imminent danger. And I'm like, you please call Derek to see if I can pick him up… I know for a fact we do not have until Monday." — Raven (40:52)

• On seeking accountability:
  "Policies and procedures take priority precedence over the life of a child or a human being. Like, that does not make any sense to me." — Annie (63:18)

• On public apathy:
  "So many people knew and saw these signs. I could never. I don’t understand humanity as much in this area and the ignorance that plays a role here because I have never seen so much of it in my life." — Raven (45:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:50] – Court testimony: Pathologist discusses injuries and Xanax
• [07:07] – Sharon Hellerud affidavit: Child recounts abuse in chilling detail
• [10:30] – Raven and Annie share memories of Alexavier's early life
• [16:39] – Discussion of family’s attempts (and failures) to stay in Alexavier’s life
• [21:54] – School and CPS failures, evidence of neglect, and missed mandatory reporting
• [24:49] – Abuse patterns, alienation, and Josie’s motivations
• [37:40] – Systemic CPS failures and emotional family reaction to lack of intervention
• [47:08] – Aftermath: Family’s grief, anger, and determination to seek justice
• [63:18, 64:01] – Calls for systemic reform and emotional struggle as failed authorities continue to work with children

Tone and Speaker Language

The conversation is raw, emotional, and direct. Raven and Annie speak with a mixture of love for Alexavier, heartbreak over his suffering and loss, and palpable frustration and anger at systemic inaction. The host, Lane, maintains a compassionate but pointed style, frequently affirming the guests’ feelings, highlighting institutional failures, and underscoring the need for public accountability.

Closing Sentiment

The episode ends with the family reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice not only for Alexavier but for other children at risk: "If we just save one child, it would be worth it." (47:08)
Lane promises, “Alexavier will never be forgotten,” echoing the episode’s central mission to bear witness and advocate for systemic change.

Resources

If you suspect child abuse, visit childhelp.org or call your local child abuse hotline.
For more survivor stories and advocacy information, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.

[End of Summary]