Christopher Gregor, a former high school football star and youth mentor, was accused of killing his 6-year-old son, Corey Micciolo, by forcing him onto a treadmill at high speeds. Gregor met Corey just over a year before the alleged abuse occurred. There were warning signs from the beginning, with Corey returning home with injuries, and his mother, Breanna Micciolo, filing several reports to NJ Child Protective Services expressing concerns about Gregor’s treatment of the child. Despite her pleas, Micciolo was unable to obtain full custody of Corey before his tragic death.
Gregor, a former honor student and all-state defensive lineman, was once part of a mentorship program for middle school students. He attended Monroe Township High School and briefly studied at Wesleyan University before ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. His career saw him working in various roles in different states, including as a math teacher, crisis hotline counselor, realtor, and sales associate. Gregor also faced several criminal charges in Baltimore before becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey.
Disturbing text messages between Gregor and Micciolo revealed his callous attitude towards Corey’s well-being. In one exchange, Gregor dismissed concerns about his treatment of Corey, emphasizing the need for the child to toughen up. On March 20, 2021, a video captured Gregor forcing Corey to run on a treadmill at high speeds, leading to the child’s injuries. Despite being taken to see a pediatrician, Corey was still subjected to abusive treatment by his father, leading to his eventual death.
On April 2, 2021, Corey was taken to the hospital after feeling ill, where he was diagnosed with severe injuries. Despite medical efforts to save him, Corey was pronounced dead due to blunt force injuries and internal damage caused by chronic child abuse. A forensic pathologist later determined that Corey’s death was a homicide due to the extent of his injuries. Gregor was initially charged with child neglect but is now facing murder charges connected to Corey’s death. He declined a plea offer and could face life in prison if convicted. As of now, he is being held without bond at Ocean County Jail.
The tragic case of Corey Micciolo brought to light the failures of the child protective services system to protect him from abuse. Despite Micciolo’s efforts to raise concerns about Gregor’s treatment of Corey, no action was taken to remove the child from the dangerous situation. The heartbreaking loss of Corey serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing warning signs of child abuse and taking immediate action to protect vulnerable children from harm. The legal proceedings against Gregor will hopefully bring justice for Corey and ensure that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
