Overview
- A 30-foot boat operated by Stephen Schneider struck a wooden channel marker in Barnegat Bay on July 19, throwing his two grandchildren into the water and later killing them at a hospital.
- Court documents show Schneider told police he drank three beers over about two hours before the crash and said he saw the day marker at the last second.
- New Jersey State Police assessed that Schneider was markedly impaired by alcohol and unfit to operate a motor vehicle, according to released reports and filings.
- Prosecutors charged Schneider with two counts of reckless vessel homicide plus operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation, and he is scheduled to appear in court the day after the reporting on these documents.
- Officials say both children were wearing life jackets and seated at the bow when they were ejected, and the case could prompt closer scrutiny of nighttime boating safety and enforcement of vessel OUI laws.