Springfield Foster Father Indicted In Drowning Death Of Child

[Sugar Cookie]

A Springfield man has been indicted in the death of a child March 16 who drowned while without adult supervision.

Barrett Koches, 7, had been living with foster parents David Yankee and his husband, Michael, for nearly a month. Barrett was found in the family’s backyard pool.

A Department of Children and Family Services investigation determined the boy and his brother, 4, were left with a 10-year old. David Yankee told investigators he left the boys for about an hour while he made a trip to Wal-Mart. Under Illinois law “unattended” means not accompanied by a person 14 years of age or older.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said a grand jury returned four counts of Endangering the Life or Health of a Child against David Yankee.

The other foster children in the home have been removed by DCFS.

Springfield man indicted in drowning death of child

Barrett Koches, 7, died in a backyard pool after being left unsupervised.

www.nprillinois.org

Sadly, the 4-old-brother attempted to help get his brother out of the pool with a cat litter scooper. Police, and the first people on the scene described the in ground pool water as, "black, murky, and slick".

Barrett's 4-year-old brother is in another foster home and is doing well.

Sarah Boyles, Freelance Journalist ll​