WHY DID IT TAKE WEEKS TO ARREST HIM? NEW BAC DETAILS EMERGE IN DEADLY BOAT CRASH

For weeks after the July 19 Barnegat Bay boat crash that killed siblings Mya Golabek, 9, and Sigmund “Siggy” Golabek, 7, a major question remained:

Why hadn’t their grandfather been arrested?

Now, court records provide more insight into what investigators were doing behind the scenes.

THE ARREST CAME WEEKS AFTER THE CRASH

Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested in connection with the deaths after investigators obtained additional evidence from the crash investigation.

According to court documents, Schneider’s blood-alcohol concentration was later determined to be approximately 0.16%.

That result became a central piece of the prosecution’s case.

Investigators allege Schneider was operating the boat while significantly impaired when it struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay.

WHAT SCHNEIDER TOLD POLICE

Schneider reportedly told investigators that he had consumed three beers during dinner before taking the children onto the boat.

He said he was traveling at approximately 20 mph when he noticed Channel Marker No. 39 too late to avoid it.

The collision sent both children into the water.

Despite rescue efforts and CPR, neither child survived. (

THE TOXICOLOGY RESULT CHANGED THE CASE

The reported 0.16% BAC was more than a minor detail.

Prosecutors allege the level was consistent with significant impairment and affected Schneider’s ability to operate the vessel safely.

He now faces serious charges, including two counts of reckless vessel homicide, as well as boating under the influence and reckless operation.

BUT THE TIMELINE MATTERS

It is important not to assume that the delay itself proves prosecutors were simply waiting for a toxicology report.

A homicide investigation can involve multiple stages, including collecting physical evidence, obtaining laboratory results, interviewing witnesses and determining which criminal charges the available evidence supports.

The exact reason for every investigative decision during those weeks has not been publicly explained.

What is clear is that Schneider was not arrested immediately after the crash.

The case later developed into a criminal prosecution after investigators gathered additional evidence.

TWO CHILDREN LOST THEIR LIVES.

THEIR GRANDFATHER NOW FACES HOMICIDE CHARGES.

And the evidence surrounding that July night — including the disputed circumstances of the crash, the boat’s speed, the visibility of the channel marker and Schneider’s alleged level of intoxication — will now be examined in court. ⚖️

Stephen Schneider has been charged and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The reported BAC and other allegations come from court and investigative records.