A New Jersey man, Christopher Gregor, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the abuse and manslaughter of his 6-year-old son, Corey Micciolo. Gregor was found guilty of child endangerment and manslaughter in May after a jury reviewed evidence showing he forced Corey to endure abusive treadmill workouts, leading to the boy’s death.
The sentencing follows a four-week trial and comes nearly three and a half years after Corey’s death in April 2021. Prosecutors argued that the child died from injuries sustained during Gregor’s abusive actions.
A pivotal piece of evidence shown in court was a video where Gregor increased the speed on a treadmill, causing Corey to fall off and hit the ground six times. Gregor reportedly believed his son was too overweight. On April 2, Corey woke up feeling nauseated, stumbling and slurring his words. Surveillance footage captured Gregor carrying Corey’s limp body into a hospital just before the boy died.
In the courtroom, a registered nurse testified that Corey showed no signs of being responsive as his head tilted backward in the examination room. The injuries were so severe that Corey suffered a seizure during a CT scan, prompting emergency measures by the medical staff. Despite their efforts, Corey was pronounced dead shortly before 5 p.m.
Ahead of his sentencing, Gregor denied responsibility for Corey’s death, stating, “I did nothing to cause Corey’s passing. I didn’t hurt my son. I loved him, and I still do. I regret not bringing him to the hospital sooner. I didn’t know how sick he was. I just thought he was tired.”
Corey’s mother, Breanna Micciolo, called Gregor a “monster” and described her life as an “absolute living nightmare.” Addressing Gregor, she said, “Are you that crazy that you convinced yourself you didn’t do this? I hate you, and I will never forgive you.”
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the tragic consequences of child abuse and the legal repercussions for those responsible.