A Wisconsin man accused of throwing a 13-year-old boy with autism into a lake, where the child later drowned, has now entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease, claiming he did not understand that his actions were wrong at the time of the incident.
According to court proceedings, 22-year-old Tylor Birch appeared in court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, during a status conference in Marinette County, Wisconsin, where he formally entered the new plea in the reckless homicide case involving the death of Jakob Bowerman.
Birch had previously been found competent to stand trial in April 2026.
Teen Died After Being Thrown Into Lake
The case stems from an incident that occurred on Aug. 20, 2025, at the Government Pier in Marinette, Wisconsin.
According to a criminal complaint, Bowerman encountered Birch and Peyton Carnot, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident.
Authorities said Bowerman, who had autism, repeatedly told the two men that he could not swim and did not want to enter the water.
Initial Story Changed During Investigation
According to investigators, Birch and Carnot initially claimed that all three of them voluntarily jumped into the water together from the pier.
They told police they realized Bowerman could not swim only after entering the water and then attempted to help him return to shore.
Carnot also stated that he climbed out of the water to call 911 after realizing Bowerman was in distress.
The criminal complaint noted that the pair initially claimed Bowerman mentioned he could not swim while they were already in the air after jumping from the breakwall.
Police Say Victim Was Thrown Into Water
As detectives continued their investigation, authorities concluded that the original version of events was false.
According to the criminal complaint, Carnot later admitted that he and Birch had thrown Bowerman into the lake after the teenager expressed that he did not want to go into the water.
Investigators said Carnot told police that he grabbed Bowerman by the hands while Birch grabbed his feet.
The two allegedly swung Bowerman off the edge of the pier and into the water.
Victim Died Three Days Later
Bowerman was rescued from the lake and transported for medical treatment.
However, he died three days later as a result of drowning, according to investigators.
His death led prosecutors to charge Birch with reckless homicide.
Prosecutors Say Later Rescue Attempts Do Not Change Initial Actions
During an earlier court hearing, Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow acknowledged that Birch and Carnot later attempted to pull Bowerman from the water.
However, the prosecutor argued that those efforts did not change the fact that they allegedly caused the dangerous situation that ultimately resulted in the teenager’s death.
Co-Defendant Also Facing Adult Charges
Peyton Carnot, who was 16 years old when he was arrested, is also being prosecuted as an adult in connection with Bowerman’s death.
Court records show Carnot is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 7, 2026.
Judge Orders Psychiatric Evaluations
Following Birch’s new plea, the judge ordered three separate psychiatric evaluations to determine whether he was suffering from a mental disease or defect at the time of the alleged offense.
Those evaluations will help determine whether his mental condition could affect criminal responsibility under Wisconsin law.
Birch’s next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2026, as the reckless homicide case continues through the judicial process.
