Bail has been set at $500,000 dollars for a 21 year old Marinette man charged with second degree reckless homicide in the drowning death of 13 year old Jakob Bowerman.  According to the criminal complaint, Tylor Robert Birch and a teen identified as P.C. were on the Government pier near the mouth of the Menominee river the afternoon of August 20^th    with Jakob to go swimming. The two initially claimed Jakob voluntarily jumped into the water, even though he was fully clothed and said he could not swim.  According to the complaint, P.C. later told police that he and Birch threw Jakob into the water.  The two attempted to help Jakob struggling in the water and called 911. Authorities arrived on the scene and were able to pull Jakob from the water, but he did not appear responsive. He was taken to Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area and later transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay where Jakob died August 23^rd.

An initial appearance was held Tuesday afternoon in Marinette Circuit Court.  In asking for a $500,000 dollar cash bond, District Attorney DeShea Morrow noted concerning facts in the case, including the fact that water conditions were not favorable for swimming that afternoon, adding to the recklessness of the conduct.  Judge James Morrison went along with the District Attorney’s request.  At this time, Birch is not represented by counsel, and the initial appearance was adjourned to September 22^nd.

The maximum penalty for second degree reckless homicide is a $100,000 fine and or 25 years in prison.