Background: News footage of Government Pier in Marinette, Wis. (WBAY). Inset: Jakob Bowerman (Bowerman Funeral Home).
Several months have passed since a tragic incident in Wisconsin, where a teenager with autism drowned after allegedly being thrown off a pier. Prosecutors have now confirmed that another teenager will be facing adult charges related to this case.
Thirteen-year-old Jakob Bowerman passed away on August 23, following an incident at Government Pier in Marinette, Wisconsin, where he was reportedly thrown into the water. Prosecutors in Marinette County allege that a 16-year-old and a 21-year-old man were involved in grabbing Bowerman by his limbs and propelling him into the water. Tylor Birch, aged 21, was swiftly charged with reckless homicide shortly after Bowerman’s death. Additionally, 16-year-old Peyton Carnot is set to face adult charges in this matter.
According to a criminal complaint accessed by WLUK, a local Fox affiliate, Birch and Carnot initially claimed to police that they and Bowerman had jumped off the pier together on August 20. They stated that upon realizing Bowerman couldn’t swim, they attempted to help him return to shore. Carnot reportedly exited the water to call 911. The complaint reveals that as they were in mid-air, leaping from the break wall, Bowerman allegedly informed them of his inability to swim.
However, further investigation contradicted Birch and Carnot’s initial narrative. The complaint notes that Carnot later admitted to authorities that he and Birch had indeed thrown Bowerman into the water against his wishes.
Tylor Birch (Marinette County Jail).
The complaint details that after throwing Bowerman into the water and hearing his cries for help, Birch and Carnot also entered the water in an attempt to rescue him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The prosecutors highlighted that the weather on August 20 contributed to choppy water conditions, which were unfavorable for swimming.
Bowerman was eventually rescued from the water and transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries days later. The autopsy confirmed that his death was due to drowning.
In an interview with local ABC affiliate WBAY, Bowerman’s mother, Taylor Singer, said that her son had just met Carnot and did not know Birch at all.
Birch and Carnot were both arrested shortly after the alleged incident. Birch was charged with second-degree reckless homicide and remains in custody at the Marinette County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for a competency hearing on Dec. 18.
Carnot was also charged with second-degree reckless homicide and is in custody at Washington County Juvenile Detention. His bond was set at $100,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 17 for his arraignment.
