Police Reveal Father At Center Of Harrowing Abuse Allegations In Child Death Case

A father from New Jersey has been found guilty of the death of his 6-year-old son. Christopher Gregor, 32, of Ocean County, was found guilty of aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of his son, Corey Micciolo.

Investigators said Corey died from injuries to his torso. They said the injuries occurred after Gregor allegedly forced the child to run on a treadmill at high speed. The case drew widespread attention because of surveillance video presented in court and testimony about the incident.

Newsnation Now reported that a video shows Corey struggling on the treadmill. The footage was also shown to jurors during the trial. Prosecutors said the video showed that in March 2021, Gregor made Corey run on a treadmill in the family's apartment gym. Corey, 6, could be seen stumbling and falling repeatedly as the speed increased.

Prosecutors said the video showed Gregor grabbing Corey by the shirt and appearing to place his mouth on the child's head at one point. The video was introduced as evidence showing events in the days before Corey's death..

About two weeks later, Corey was taken to the hospital after his condition worsened. He became nauseous, had slurred speech, and had difficulty walking. He later experienced seizures and died.

An autopsy determined that Corey suffered serious internal injuries. Doctors reported significant trauma to internal organs. Prosecutors said the injuries were consistent with repeated falls from the treadmill.

Gregor was first arrested in July 2021 and charged with child endangerment. After Corey’s death was ruled a homicide, prosecutors added additional charges in 2022.

Gregor's attorney argued that Corey did not die as a result of the treadmill incident. The defense argued Corey had pneumonia and sepsis, and that an infection caused his death. Gregor also said that he did not hurt his son.

“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 didn't know. I just thought he was tired,” Gregor said.

Jurors rejected the defense argument. In May 2024, a jury found Gregor guilty of aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment.

In August 2024, Judge Guy Ryan sentenced Gregor to 25 years in prison. This includes 20 years for manslaughter and five years for child endangerment. Under New Jersey’s “No Early Release Act,” he must serve at least 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

“Christopher Gregor must live the rest of his life with the knowledge that he, and he alone, was responsible for the death of his one and only son. It is right and just that he bears that cross,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said, according to Knoxville news.

Corey's mother said she contacted child welfare agencies more than 100 times with concerns about Corey's safety, but no action was taken. Prosecutors said surveillance video and medical findings supported those concerns.