Nearly four weeks after the July 19 Barnegat Bay boating tragedy, Stephen Schneider, 64, was arrested and charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, along with boating-under-the-influence and reckless-operation charges. 

The reason for the delay has now become clearer. Investigators continued examining the crash and toxicology evidence before bringing charges. Prosecutors later told the court that Schneider’s blood-alcohol level was approximately 0.16, twice New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08. 

According to authorities, Schneider’s boat struck a channel marker, sending 9-year-old Mya Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Golabek into the water. Both children were later pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at a hospital.

However, one major detail in the original claim is not accurate: Schneider was not kept in jail with zero bond. A judge released him on August 19 while the case proceeds, citing factors including his lack of a prior criminal record and requests from the children’s parents for his release.

The case remains ongoing, and the charges are allegations that have not yet been proven in court.

👉 Read more: NBC New York — Latest update on the Barnegat Bay case 