OCEAN CITY, New Jersey – Christopher Gregor, a 31-year-old father from New Jersey, appeared in court on Tuesday to stand trial for the alleged murder of his 6-year-old son, Corey Micciolo, in 2021. Gregor is facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted. A disturbing new video was shown in court, revealing the alleged child abuse that occurred prior to the boy’s death.
The surveillance footage, obtained by CourtTV.com, showed Gregor forcing his son to run on a treadmill at the Atlantic Heights Clubhouse fitness center on March 20, 2021. The video captures Gregor increasing the speed and incline of the treadmill as the boy repeatedly falls off and struggles to remain on the machine. At one point, Gregor is seen biting his son’s head as he places him on the fast-moving treadmill.
Tragically, Corey Micciolo passed away on April 2, 2021, due to blunt force injuries with cardiac and liver contusions, as well as acute inflammation and sepsis. During the trial, Corey’s mother, Bre Micciolo, testified as the first witness and was visibly emotional upon watching the distressing video.
Days before Corey’s death, Bre Micciolo had reported her son’s injuries to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. According to reports, Corey revealed during a doctor’s appointment that his father made him run on the treadmill because he believed the child was “too fat.” The following day, Gregor rushed Corey to the hospital after the boy exhibited concerning symptoms such as stumbling, slurred speech, nausea, and shortness of breath.
A forensic pathologist determined Corey’s death to be a homicide, noting chronic abuse, including blunt impact injuries to the chest and abdomen, a laceration on the heart, a left pulmonary contusion, and laceration and contusion of the liver.
Gregor was arrested in July 2021 on child neglect charges after investigators reviewed the surveillance footage. He declined a 30-year plea deal and is currently held without bond at the Ocean City Jail.
The trial continues, shedding light on the alleged abuse endured by Corey Micciolo and seeking justice for his tragic death.