by Marinette, WI – Months after the tragic drowning of 13-year-old Jakob Bowerman, authorities have announced that 16-year-old Peyton Carnot will be charged as an adult in connection with the incident. The case stems from events that took place at the Government Pier in Marinette on Aug. 20, 2025, which led to Bowerman’s death three days later.
Tragic Incident on Government Pier
Jakob Bowerman, a teenager with autism, was allegedly thrown into the water from the pier by 16-year-old Peyton Carnot and 21-year-old Tylor Birch. According to Marinette County prosecutors, both Birch and Carnot grabbed Bowerman by his hands and feet and swung him into the water. Bowerman was unable to swim, and the water was choppy, making rescue difficult.
Bowerman was pulled from the water and transported to a local hospital, where he died on Aug. 23, 2025. An autopsy confirmed that drowning was the cause of death.
Investigation Reveals False Initial Statements
In early statements to police, Birch and Carnot claimed that they and Bowerman had jumped into the water together, and that they attempted to help him back to shore when they realized he could not swim. Carnot reportedly said he left the water briefly to call 911.
However, as the investigation progressed, authorities determined that this account was not accurate. Prosecutors say that Carnot later admitted that he and Birch had thrown Bowerman into the water after he expressed he did not want to go in. Both then jumped in to try to rescue him but were unable to do so.
Arrests and Charges
Tylor Birch, 21, was arrested shortly after Bowerman’s death and charged with second-degree reckless homicide. He remains in custody at the Marinette County Jail and is scheduled for a competency hearing on Dec. 18, 2025.
Peyton Carnot, 16, is also facing second-degree reckless homicide charges and will be tried as an adult. He is currently held at Washington County Juvenile Detention with bond set at $100,000. Carnot is scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 17, 2025.
Family Reacts to Tragedy
In an interview with local ABC affiliate WBAY, Bowerman’s mother, Taylor Singer, expressed her heartbreak. She noted that her son had just met Carnot and did not know Birch prior to the incident, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the young boy’s death.
Authorities continue to emphasize the severity of the actions and the preventable nature of the tragedy, citing the choppy water conditions and Bowerman’s inability to swim as factors that contributed to the fatal outcome.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Both Birch and Carnot’s cases are moving through the legal system. Birch’s competency hearing will assess his ability to participate in his trial, while Carnot’s arraignment will formally present the charges as he faces trial as an adult. Prosecutors are pursuing adult charges for Carnot due to the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances leading to Bowerman’s death.
This incident has raised significant community concerns about juvenile accountability and safety at public piers, especially when minors are involved in risky activities near water.
What do you think, Marinette?
How should communities ensure child safety around water and handle cases involving juvenile offenders?
Share your thoughts, experiences, and concerns in the comments below.
