The swimming pool drowning death of Barrett Koches, 7, who police say was left at his foster home without adult supervision, has launched investigations by local detectives and state child protection investigators.
Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette said, “While the
investigation is still in the infancy stages, I can confirm that the three
children were at the residence by themselves when first responders arrived at
the scene.”
According to Sangamon County property records, the residence is
the home of David Yankee, 47, and his husband Michael Yankee, 46. Neither
responded to telephone messages and texts requesting comment. No criminal
charges have been filed in the matter.
David Yankee, a financial adviser, ran unsuccessfully last year
for a seat on the Springfield City Council representing Ward 4. According to a
campaign statement, he is “an advocate for foster children” and has served on
several area nonprofit boards.
Heather Tarczan, communications supervisor for the Illinois
Department of Children and Family Services, said in a written statement, “We
are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and are conducting an
investigation.” She said that because of privacy laws she could not comment
further.
Sangamon County coroner Jim Allmon said an autopsy was conducted. “Barrett
did not show any physical injuries,” he said. “His death is consistent with
drowning.”
Barrett, who formerly lived in Taylorville with his aunt Gina
Hartman, was removed from his biological mother’s custody in September 2023.
During an interview March 21 at her home, Hartman showed a
reporter a tumultuous cellphone video showing police removing Barrett from her residence last year. Hartman could be heard shouting, “Don’t take him. Don’t take him.” Family
members said police used a battering ram to get through the front door and the adults resisted surrendering the children. The
struggle apparently moved to the basement where police were eventually able to
peacefully end the situation.
Hartman said her sister, Jamie D. Hartman, 40, lost custody of her
children because she had become homeless. Jamie Hartman has a minor criminal
record for disorderly conduct and retail theft. DCFS officials are prohibited
by law from publicly discussing details of child protection cases.
Reached by phone, Jamie Hartman said she would first check with
her attorney before speaking with a reporter. She failed to call back and could
not later be contacted. Barrett’s father, Jeff Koches, could not be reached.
However, on March 22, Jamie Hartman sent a text to a reporter. It
stated, “I can’t talk. My family and my other boys need help and protection
& Justice!!!!! Justice for Barrett! Justice for my babies!!” She did not
respond to requests for clarification. Hartman has five surviving children, all
boys.
Barrett was initially placed in a foster home in Lincoln where he
attended Chester-East Lincoln School and was active in baseball, football,
fishing and dirt bike riding. He was on the elementary school wrestling
team.
It is not known why Barrett was transferred from the foster home in
Lincoln. Gina Hartman said she believed Barrett had been with the Yankees "for several months."
Funeral services are scheduled for noon March 23 at Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro with a visitation preceding. Burial will be in Irving Cemetery.
