Criminal complaint details what led to killing of teen in Two Rivers

Key Points:

• Payton Vertz, 16, was brutally beaten, tied to a tree, strangled, and his body was later burned and dumped in a river; Dominic Pilgreen, 26, and Nathan Reichard, 15, face multiple charges including first-degree intentional homicide in connection with his October 5 death.
• Both suspects reportedly premeditated the murder, with Pilgreen and Reichard admitting to incapacitating Vertz with alcohol before the fatal assault; Reichard was held on a $500,000 bond and both are scheduled for initial court appearances on November 2.
• The criminal complaint reveals graphic details of the torture, including Vertz being repeatedly punched, tied with shoelaces, and strangled with a belt, with both suspects describing alternate violent personalities influencing their actions.
• Autopsy results confirmed severe brain injuries and multiple bruises consistent with torture, while police investigations found Vertz’s belongings in a burn pit and his body near a marina dock.
• A community benefit event is planned for November 14 in Two Rivers to raise funds for "Payton’s Place," a memorial space dedicated to honoring Vertz’s memory and supporting those grieving his loss.