REVEALED: 0.16% BAC PUTS NEW FOCUS ON GRANDPA’S “THREE BEERS” CLAIM

Nearly a month after the Barnegat Bay crash that claimed the lives of 9-year-old Mya Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Golabek, prosecutors have revealed a crucial toxicology result involving their grandfather, Stephen Schneider.

According to prosecutors, Schneider’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.16% — twice New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%.

THE “THREE BEERS” CLAIM

After the July 19 crash, Schneider reportedly told police he had consumed three beers over approximately two hours while the family was at MJ’s Restaurant in Bayville.

He later took his grandchildren aboard his boat for the trip home.

The boat struck a wooden channel marker in Barnegat Bay, throwing both children into the water. Despite wearing life jackets, they were found unresponsive and later died at the hospital.

THEN THE BLOOD TEST RESULT

Prosecutors say Schneider’s BAC was approximately 0.16% when his blood was tested after the crash.

Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Kate Burke argued that the result demonstrated the level of impairment involved in Schneider’s decision to operate the vessel.

However, the precise circumstances surrounding the blood draw and the interpretation of the result remain matters the defense intends to examine.

Defense attorney William Cunningham has said the defense plans to have its own expert review the BAC evidence.

OTHER QUESTIONS ARE STILL OPEN

The defense has also raised questions about whether the channel marker struck by Schneider’s boat was properly illuminated that night.

That issue could become part of the defense’s effort to challenge the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Schneider now faces charges including two counts of reckless vessel homicide, operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation. A judge released him under conditions that prohibit him from operating a boat or motor vehicle pending further evaluation.

THREE BEERS — THEN A 0.16% BAC.

A NIGHTTIME BOAT RIDE — THEN A DEADLY COLLISION.

AND NOW THE TOXICOLOGY EVIDENCE IS SET TO BECOME A MAJOR PART OF THE CASE.

The prosecution has revealed the BAC result, but the full evidentiary picture will ultimately be tested in court.

Schneider has been charged and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.