Christopher Gregor: NJ man forces son, 6, to run on treadmill days before his death in disturbing footage

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NEW JERSEY: Disturbing footage has emerged of a New Jersey father, Christopher Gregor, allegedly compelling his six-year-old son, Corey Micciolo, to run on a treadmill, reportedly because he deemed the child "too fat".

This shocking revelation came just days before Corey's tragic death in 2021 from what authorities describe as "chronic abuse."

Gregor, 31, appeared in court on Tuesday to face murder charges following Corey's death in 2021, attributed to "blunt force trauma" after years of alleged abuse. If convicted, Gregor could potentially face life imprisonment.

Father's alleged cruelty led to son's tragic death

The harrowing surveillance footage, captured at the Atlantic Heights Clubhouse fitness center, depicts Corey repeatedly falling off the treadmill, while Gregor continues to lift him back on.

Reports indicate Gregor even appeared to bite his son on the back of the head before forcing him to resume running.

Despite Corey's evident struggle to keep pace with the treadmill's rapid speed, he repeatedly attempts to crawl back onto the equipment.

Days following the gym visit, the young boy's mother, Breanna Micciolo, who shared custody of Corey with Gregor, observed her son's injuries and promptly reported them to authorities.

Corey disclosed to a doctor on April 2 that his father had compelled him to run on the treadmill due to concerns about his weight. Tragically, he died the following day, US Sun reported.

Mother starts campaign called 'Justice for Corey' to raise awareness

Gregor's actions came under scrutiny, leading to his arrest in July 2021 on charges of child neglect. 

"Specifically by having (Corey) run on a treadmill and increasing the speed, causing (Corey) to fall, placing (him) back on the moving treadmill while appearing to bite his head, causing the said child to fall several more times," an arrest warrant stated. 

Corey's death was subsequently classified as a homicide in September 2021, with forensic examination revealing signs of chronic abuse, including blunt impact injuries to his chest and abdomen.

Breanna, visibly distraught, testified as the first witness in court on Tuesday, her emotional response reflecting the enduring trauma of losing her son to such senseless violence.

In the aftermath of Corey's death, she initiated a campaign for justice through a private Facebook group titled 'Justice for Corey', rallying support to ensure accountability for her son's untimely demise.