Judge rules Marinette pier drowning suspect competent to stand trial

Tylor Birch, one of two suspects charged in the death of 13-year-old Jakob Bowerman, has been found competent to stand trial.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, dramatic image that conceptually represents the serious legal proceedings in this case.The harsh lighting and stark contrast of this image evoke the gritty, investigative nature of the criminal case surrounding the tragic drowning incident.Marinette Today

A judge has ruled that Tylor Birch, one of the suspects charged in the drowning death of 13-year-old Jakob Bowerman, is competent to stand trial. Birch and co-defendant Peyton Carnot are accused of throwing Bowerman off a pier in Marinette, Wisconsin, leading to his drowning in August 2026. Birch's competency was confirmed after a psychiatric evaluation, allowing the criminal case to move forward.

Why it matters

The competency ruling is a key step in the legal process, ensuring Birch is able to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense. The case has drawn significant attention in the Marinette community due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Bowerman's death.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Birch and Carnot initially told police that all three males jumped into the water from the Marinette pier on August 20. However, further investigation revealed that Birch and Carnot had actually thrown Bowerman into the water after he expressed that he did not want to go in, especially where the water was deeper. Bowerman, who was fully clothed, struggled to swim and drowned despite Birch and Carnot's attempts to help him. The weather conditions at the time were described as unfavorable for swimming, with choppy, windy waters.

  • On August 20, 2026, the incident occurred at the Marinette pier.
  • On August 23, 2026, Bowerman died from drowning.
  • On April 2, 2026, the judge ruled that Birch is competent to stand trial.
  • On April 30, 2026, Birch is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing.
  • On June 4, 2026, Carnot is scheduled to return to court for a status conference.

The players

Tylor Birch

A 21-year-old suspect charged with second-degree reckless homicide for his alleged role in the drowning death of Jakob Bowerman.

Peyton Carnot

A 16-year-old suspect charged with second-degree reckless homicide for his alleged role in the drowning death of Jakob Bowerman.

Jakob Bowerman

A 13-year-old victim who drowned after being thrown off a pier in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Judge James Morrison

The judge who ruled that Tylor Birch is competent to stand trial.

DeShea Morrow

The Marinette County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Law enforcement did further investigation and found out that is not what happened. That actually Mr. Birch, along with the co-actor, had actually thrown the victim into the water after the victim has expressed he didn't want to go in, especially there.”

— DeShea Morrow, Marinette County District Attorney

“Carnot told me that he grabbed Bowerman's hands and Tylor grabbed Bowerman's feet and they swung him off the edge, into the water. Carnot and Tylor then jumped in the water and attempted to help Bowerman out but they could not.”

— DeShea Morrow, Marinette County District Attorney

“That doesn't change what they did to start this process, which resulted in the death of the victim.”

— DeShea Morrow, Marinette County District Attorney

What’s next

Tylor Birch is scheduled to return to court on April 30 for a preliminary hearing, while Peyton Carnot is set to appear on June 4 for a status conference. The criminal case against the two suspects is expected to continue moving forward following the competency ruling.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the importance of responsible decision-making and the consequences that can arise from reckless actions, even if the intent was not malicious. The Marinette community will likely continue to grapple with the loss of a young life and the ongoing legal proceedings against the suspects.