GRANDPA FACES UP TO 20 YEARS AFTER BEING CHARGED IN FATAL BARNEGAT BAY BOAT CRASH THAT KILLED HIS TWO GRANDCHILDREN

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The grandfather accused of operating a boat while intoxicated when it crashed into a channel marker, killing his two young grandchildren, is now facing a serious criminal case that could put him behind bars for decades.

Stephen Schneider, 64, of Bayville, New Jersey, was charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide/death by vessel, a second-degree offense, along with boating-under-the-influence and reckless-operation charges.

The charges stem from the devastating July 19 crash on Barnegat Bay that killed siblings Mya Bella Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Paul Golabek, 7.

A FAMILY BOAT RIDE ENDED IN TRAGEDY

Schneider was operating a Tidewater Custom 280 in Barnegat Bay at approximately 9 p.m. when the vessel struck an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker.

The impact sent Mya and Sigmund into the water.

Both children were reportedly wearing life jackets. Schneider and his wife, who was also aboard, pulled the children from the water and attempted to help them before emergency responders arrived.

The siblings were transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Their deaths devastated a family that had been enjoying what was supposed to be a summer evening together.

PROSECUTORS SAY SCHNEIDER’S BLOOD-ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS .16

One of the most serious allegations in the case concerns Schneider’s alleged level of intoxication.

During his detention hearing, prosecutors said his blood-alcohol concentration was approximately 0.16% — twice New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%.

Assistant Prosecutor Kate Burke argued that the level demonstrated the degree of impairment under which Schneider allegedly chose to operate the vessel.

Schneider reportedly told investigators that he had consumed three beers over roughly two hours during dinner with his family.

The prosecution contends that operating the boat after drinking contributed directly to the fatal collision.

THE DEFENSE IS CHALLENGING PARTS OF THE EVIDENCE

Schneider’s attorney, William Cunningham, has argued that the crash was not intentional and that investigators still have questions to answer.

Among the issues raised by the defense is whether the channel marker struck by the boat was properly illuminated that night.

The defense has also indicated that it wants to independently examine the blood-alcohol evidence.

Those issues could become important as the case progresses.

Schneider is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS ASKED FOR THEIR GRANDFATHER’S RELEASE

In a remarkable development during Schneider’s detention hearing, the children’s parents supported his release from custody.

A letter submitted to the court described Schneider as a loving grandfather and emphasized the role he had played in Mya and Sigmund’s lives.

The defense argued that Schneider had no significant criminal history and that his family needed him during an unimaginably difficult period.

The judge ultimately granted Schneider conditional release rather than keeping him in jail pending trial.

He has been prohibited from operating a boat or motor vehicle while he undergoes a court-ordered assessment.

THE CASE COULD CARRY A POTENTIALLY LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCE

The two reckless vessel homicide charges are classified as second-degree offenses under New Jersey law.

If convicted, Schneider could face substantial prison time, with the two counts potentially carrying a combined maximum of 20 years, depending on how any sentences are imposed.

But the case is still in its early stages, and a conviction has not been established.

The prosecution must still prove that Schneider’s conduct satisfied every element of the charged offenses.

SEPTEMBER 15 WILL BE THE NEXT MAJOR COURT DATE

Schneider’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 15 at 11 a.m.

The hearing is expected to provide another look at the evidence and the legal battle ahead.

For now, Schneider remains out of custody under conditions while the case proceeds.

TWO CHILDREN WHO WERE “BEST FRIENDS”

Mya and Sigmund were remembered by their family as more than siblings.

They were described as best friends who shared adventures, laughter and countless memories.

Their deaths have also drawn attention to a troubling summer on Barnegat Bay, where authorities have investigated multiple fatal boating incidents involving collisions with channel markers.

But for their family, the statistics mean little compared with the loss of two children at once.

THE QUESTIONS NOW BEFORE THE COURT

The criminal case will ultimately have to answer several critical questions:

Was Schneider legally impaired when he operated the boat?

Did that alleged impairment amount to reckless conduct under New Jersey law?

What exactly happened in the moments before the boat struck the channel marker?

And what role did the alleged .16 BAC play in the deaths of Mya and Sigmund?

Those questions will now move from the waters of Barnegat Bay into an Ocean County courtroom.

A summer family outing ended with two children dead, their grandfather facing two serious homicide charges, and a grieving family caught between devastating loss and an unfolding criminal prosecution.

Stephen Schneider’s next court appearance is September 15 — and the case could ultimately determine whether the tragedy results in a prison sentence of up to two decades.