THERE WERE WITNESSES AT THE TABLE: STEPHEN SCHNEIDER DIDN’T DRINK ALONE BEFORE THE BOAT TRIP

Stephen Schneider’s account of the evening was not made in isolation.

Before taking his two grandchildren out on the boat, Schneider had dinner with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and the two children at MJ’s Restaurant.

He later reportedly told investigators that he had consumed three beers over approximately two hours.

But there were other people at the table.

HIS FAMILY SAW WHAT HAPPENED

Those who were with Schneider during dinner could potentially provide important information about the evening — including when drinks arrived, how long the family remained at the restaurant and what happened before they left.

Restaurant employees and other people nearby could also help establish the sequence of events.

That makes the dinner more than just a meal.

It could become an important part of the timeline investigators are reconstructing.

THREE BEERS — AND A 0.16% BAC

Schneider’s reported account has drawn additional attention because a later blood test reportedly showed a BAC of approximately 0.16%.

That result has become a significant piece of evidence as prosecutors examine his condition when he operated the vessel.

But the BAC reading alone does not reveal exactly what happened during dinner.

That is where the surrounding evidence becomes important.

EVERY DETAIL CAN BE CROSS-CHECKED

Investigators can compare the account of the evening against available records and testimony.

What drinks were ordered?

When were they served?

When did Schneider finish eating?

When did the family leave the restaurant?

And how much time passed before the boat trip ended in tragedy?

Witness accounts, the restaurant bill and any available surveillance footage could potentially help answer those questions.

THE TIMELINE MAY TELL THE STORY

The crash occurred after Schneider left the restaurant with his grandchildren aboard his boat.

Now, the events leading up to that moment are being examined piece by piece.

For investigators, it may not come down to one single piece of evidence.

It may be the way multiple small details fit together.

Three beers. Two hours. Several people at the table. One reported 0.16% BAC.

The question is how those pieces fit into the final timeline before the boat entered the bay.