Springfield man charged in drowning death of child

A Springfield man has been charged in the March 16 death of a child who drowned 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 in the 2300 block of Winnebago Drive.

An investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services found that the boy and his 4-year-old brother had been left with a 10-year-old. David Yankee told investigators that he left the boys alone for about an hour while he went to Wal-Mart. Under Illinois law, “unaccompanied” means without a person 14 or older present.

Sangamon County District Attorney John Milhiser said a grand jury has returned four counts of endangering the life or health of a child against David Yankee. He made his initial court appearance Thursday. He could face prison time if convicted.

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

David Yankee, a financial advisor, unsuccessfully ran for Springfield City Council in 2023.