A devastating tragedy in Red Wing, Minnesota, has left a family shattered and a community outraged after 18-year-old autistic teen Jakob Bowerman died following a brutal incident in which he was thrown off a pier into 30 feet of water, despite being unable to swim.
According to his mother, Taylor Singer, Jakob was held by his hands and ankles and tossed into the water by Taylor Birch and a 16-year-old boy, whose name has not been released because he is a minor.
Singer’s Facebook post, which has now spread widely across Minnesota and beyond, includes heartbreaking photos of Jakob during his final days on life support.
Her message is direct and deeply emotional: she wants the world to see what was done to her son and is pleading for the maximum punishment for both individuals involved.
According to Singer, the two teens watched Jakob struggle in the water for 10 minutes before anyone called 911.
Emergency crews performed CPR for 45 minutes to restart Jakob’s heart. He was rushed to the hospital, but the lack of oxygen caused severe brain damage.
After three days in critical condition, Jakob’s brain herniated, and he was declared brain dead. Singer wrote,
“No parent should ever have to hold their child while doctors take them off life support and feel their heartbeat fade,”
Taylor Singer
Jakob’s older brother, Wesley, stayed at his bedside for all three days.
In a heartbreaking detail shared by his mother, Wesley held Jakob’s hand and whispered promises, telling him that when he woke up, he would push him in a wheelchair, teach him how to play football again, and help him learn to talk again.
Jakob’s eyes remained half-open due to brain damage, so medical staff kept a cloth over them. Singer added,
“It hurt me too much to see his beautiful eyes like that,”“I made everyone leave the cloth on when I was in the room.”
Taylor Singer
Singer confirmed that the next court hearing for Tylor Birch is scheduled for December 18th at 8:30 a.m., and she encouraged anyone who wants to support the family to attend.
She also stated that after Birch’s case concludes, the family will have to go through a separate court process involving the 16-year-old.
The heartbreaking story has triggered anger and despair across social media. Many commenters expressed disbelief that such cruelty was possible.
Kayla Lesniak wrote, “That poor baby.”
Jakob’s grandmother, Bertina Bowerman, commented,
I want him back so badly I miss baby every minute of the day. I want justice for Jakob.
Bertina Bowerman
Roni Boone added,
Bless his heart, poor young boy I can’t even imagine i hope those kids are locked up forever
Roni Boone
Stacie Meggenberg Matson responded with a string of crying emojis, reflecting the shared grief among readers.
Another community member, Barb Cobb, asked when the long series of court hearings would finally begin.
I’m sure they’re not releasing the name of the other boy because he’s a minor I’m assuming but when is this nightmare gonna be over Taylor? What I mean is when is all this court hearings and that gonna start?
Barb Cobb
Singer explained that the process would take years. She noted,
Barb Cobb yes. I am not aloud to say his name until it becomes official by the court. I have to go through court with Tylor and then go through court again with the 16 year old. It’ll be a couple years of court
Taylor Singer
Cobb again responded,
Taylor Singer OMG well if there’s anything I can do for you you please let me know OK
Barb Cobb
Singer’s post ends with a plea: “Please share! I want everyone to know Jakob Bowerman’s story.”
