Full Breakdown
Two Rivers Teen Murder Leads to Adult-Court Charges
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Fatal Assault and Death of Payton Vertz
Sixteen-year-old Payton Vertz was taken to Zander Park, where he was tied to a tree, repeatedly beaten, and ultimately strangled. After the killing, his clothing was burned and his body was placed in the West Twin River near Seagull Marina, where it was discovered in mid-October. The criminal complaint lists the injuries as brain trauma, multiple contusions and abrasions around the neck, and numerous bruises on the body. Dominic Pilgreen, 26, and Nathan Reichard, 15, have been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, substantial battery, hiding a corpse, theft from a corpse, and false imprisonment.
Background & Context
Wisconsin law permits youths aged 10-16 who face homicide charges to be tried in adult court, though a later motion can request transfer to juvenile court. Pilgreen was already incarcerated for an unrelated burglary when the investigation began. The case quickly attracted community attention, prompting a benefit for the victim’s family.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Payton Vertz, 16
- Suspects: Dominic Pilgreen, 26; Nathan Reichard, 15
- Charges: first-degree intentional homicide, substantial battery, hiding a corpse, theft from a corpse, false imprisonment
- Bond: a cash bond of $500,000 has been set for Reichard
- Autopsy findings: brain injuries, multiple neck contusions, extensive bruising
- Body location: West Twin River, near Seagull Marina
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre described the case as “extremely aggravated,” emphasizing that the homicide was pre-planned by both defendants and that the victim “fought for his life.” The presiding judge expressed concern for community safety, noting the brutality of the assault and the danger posed if Reichard remains in the area.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police interviews reveal divergent narratives. Reichard told detectives that Pilgreen orchestrated the killing, describing how Pilgreen beat Vertz, tied him with shoelaces, and then used a belt to strangle him after the shoelace failed. Pilgreen’s statements, however, portray Reichard as the primary aggressor who “had to restrain himself” while Pilgreen carried out the murder. Both accounts agree on the use of a belt and a wagon to move the body, but the precise sequence of actions and who initiated the fatal strangulation remain unsettled.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This victim fought for his life. I'm very concerned about our community if Mr. Reichard is in it at this time. It's extremely dangerous. What's described in here to the victim is that he was tortured. That he was killed in a way that was brutal and depraved.” — Hon. Jewel Scharenbroch
What's Next
A community benefit for Payton’s family is scheduled for November 14 at the Two Rivers Community House, 1710 W. Park Street, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will support “Payton’s Place,” a space for grieving families. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to aid the family.