In a case that has horrified the nation, Christopher Gregor, 31, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on August 2, 2024, for the death of his 6-year-old son, Corey Micciolo. The tragedy unfolded after surveillance footage revealed Gregor forcing Corey to run on a treadmill at dangerous speeds, an act prosecutors called “unimaginable.”
The Incident: A Father’s Unthinkable ‘Discipline’
In April 2023, Gregor allegedly subjected Corey to a brutal treadmill session at their New Jersey home, captured on camera. Video evidence showed the boy struggling to keep up as his father repeatedly increased the speed—reaching up to 12 mph—despite Corey falling multiple times. Each time the child collapsed, Gregor was seen yanking him back onto the machine.
Thirteen days later, Corey began experiencing severe symptoms, including seizures, slurred speech, and vomiting. He was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered cardiac arrest during a CT scan and died. Medical experts linked his death to blunt force injuries, consistent with the treadmill incident.
From Child Endangerment to Manslaughter
Gregor was initially charged with child endangerment, but prosecutors upgraded the charges to aggravated manslaughter after Corey’s autopsy revealed internal bleeding and organ damage. During the trial, the disturbing footage became a key piece of evidence, with jurors describing it as “chilling” and “indisputable.”
In May 2024, a jury found Gregor guilty of both aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment. The judge emphasized the “callousness” of Gregor’s actions, stating, “This was not discipline—it was torture.”
Justice for Corey
Gregor’s 25-year sentence includes 20 years for manslaughter and 5 years for endangerment, to be served consecutively. Under New Jersey law, he must serve at least 85% of his term (21 years) before parole eligibility. The sentencing has sparked nationwide conversations about child abuse and accountability.
A Preventable Tragedy
Corey’s story serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the devastating consequences of abuse. As one child advocate stated, “No child should ever endure such suffering. Justice for Corey means ensuring no parent repeats this horror.”
This case underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting children. If you suspect abuse, report it to local authorities or child protective services immediately.
