THE THIRD BOTTLE WASN’T THE LAST: STEPHEN SCHNEIDER’S 0.16% BAC PUT THE ENTIRE TIMELINE UNDER SCRUTINY
THE THIRD BOTTLE WASN’T THE LAST: STEPHEN SCHNEIDER’S 0.16% BAC PUT THE ENTIRE TIMELINE UNDER SCRUTINY
The third bottle wasn’t necessarily the end of the story.
Stephen Schneider reportedly told police that he had consumed three beers over approximately two hours before taking his two grandchildren out on the boat.
But the subsequent blood test became a major point in the case.
A court-ordered blood draw taken at 12:46 a.m. reportedly showed a BAC of approximately 0.16% — twice New Jersey’s legal limit for driving.
That result prompted investigators to take a closer look at the timeline surrounding the family’s dinner at MJ’s Restaurant.
EVERY MINUTE MATTERS
According to court documents, Schneider was dining with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and his two grandchildren before the boat trip.
His account of drinking three beers could therefore be compared with the circumstances surrounding the meal, the timing of the crash and the later blood test.
Investigators also documented that Schneider reportedly told police he was traveling at about 20 mph when he saw channel marker No. 39 at the last moment.
The boat struck the marker, throwing the two children into the water.
THEN CAME THE BLOOD TEST
The reported 0.16% BAC became one of the central details prosecutors cited when arguing that Schneider had been significantly impaired.
A laboratory analysis referenced in the affidavit concluded that his alertness, judgment, response time and coordination were markedly affected by alcohol.
That does not by itself establish exactly how much Schneider consumed at the restaurant.
But it gives investigators another critical piece of evidence to compare against his account.
THE TIMELINE IS NOW PART OF THE CASE
From the restaurant dinner to the moment the boat left MJ’s and the eventual collision, investigators can examine the sequence of events through witness accounts and other records.
The question is not simply how many drinks were consumed.
It is also when they were consumed, how long Schneider remained at the restaurant, and what happened between the final drink and the crash.
The case remains pending, and Schneider has been released under conditions while the legal process continues. He faces charges including reckless vessel homicide and operating a vessel under the influence.
Three beers. Two hours. A reported 0.16% BAC.
Now, every detail of that evening is being examined as investigators work to establish exactly what happened before the boat entered the darkness of Barnegat Bay.
