Video shows a man on trial for the murder of his son, allegedly forcing the six-year-old to exercise on a treadmill because he was "too fat."
Christopher Gregor, 31, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and first-degree murder in connection with the death of Corey Micciolo.
A surveillance video played in court for the jury and aired on Court TV shows the two at the fitness center of Gregor's New Jersey apartment complex on March 20, 2021. Micciolo runs on the treadmill as Gregor increases the speed.
The child falls off the treadmill several times as he tries to keep up. After one of these stumbles, Gregor grabs Micciolo by the shirt.
The video also appears to show Gregor biting his son's head.
While at an appointment on April 1, 2021, Gregor allegedly told the doctor that he made Micciolo run on the treadmill because he was "too fat," according to the New York Post.
The next day, Gregor took the child to the hospital after he woke up from a nap stumbling, slurring his speech, and experiencing nausea and breathing difficulty. He began having seizures during a CT scan and efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.
Originally, the cause of death was left undetermined. But it was later ruled a homicide in September of 2021 after forensic pathologist Dr. Thomas Andrew reviewed the case. He determined that Micciolo suffered an acute traumatic injury to the heart 4-12 hours before his death. He also said the injuries found on the child showed evidence of chronic abuse.
Gregor was charged with endangerment on July 7, 2021. The murder charge was added on March 9, 2022.
Gregor's attorney, Mario Gallucci, told Newsweek that his client has been "bombarded by the internet trolls."
"It deeply saddens me to see the amount of vitriol surrounding this case," Gallucci said.
He added that everyone has the "fundamental right" to remain innocent until they are proved guilty.
Breanna and Gregor shared joint custody of the child.
Gregor turned down a 30-year plea deal. He is facing life in prison, if convicted. He remains in Ocean County Jail without bail.
The trial resumes on Tuesday.
The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment when contacted by Newsweek.
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Jenna Sundel is a Newsweek reporter based in New Jersey. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. Jenna joined Newsweek ... Read more
