A Marinette County case tied to the death of a 13-year-old boy is moving forward in court. A 21-year-old defendant, Tylor Birch, has been found competent to stand trial in connection to the drowning death of Jakob Bowerman last August.

Prosecutors allege Birch was one of two individuals involved in throwing the 13-year-old off the Marinette pier. Bowerman was rescued from the water and taken to the hospital, where he died three days later.

In court proceedings, a psychiatric evaluation determined Birch is competent to stand trial. While the defense initially challenged that finding and requested a second opinion, both sides ultimately agreed to rely on the report. The court then ruled Birch competent.

A preliminary hearing and arraignment are now scheduled for April 30. A co-defendant in the case, 16-year-old Peyton Carnot, is expected back in court in June.