TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 64-year-old New Jersey grandfather accused of causing a fatal boating crash that claimed the lives of his two grandchildren has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail following his arrest on homicide charges.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Stephen Schneider was charged with two counts of reckless vessel homicide, also known under New Jersey law as death by vessel, along with operating a vessel under the influence and reckless operation of a vessel.
Ocean County Jail records show Schneider was committed Friday and is being held without bail pending court proceedings. He faces two second-degree vehicular homicide charges in connection with the July 19 crash.
Two children killed after boat struck channel marker
Authorities allege Schneider was operating a vessel on Barnegat Bay when it collided with a properly illuminated channel marker during the evening hours of July 19.
The impact threw Schneider’s grandchildren, 9-year-old Sigmund Golabek and 7-year-old Mya Golabek, into the water. Both children died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Investigators said the navigational marker’s warning lights were functioning properly at the time of the collision.
Prosecutors allege operator was intoxicated
Following an investigation, authorities alleged Schneider was legally intoxicated while operating the vessel and charged him with operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation of a vessel, and two counts of reckless vessel homicide.
The investigation remains active, and prosecutors have not released additional details regarding Schneider’s blood alcohol content or other evidence supporting the charges.
Under New Jersey law, second-degree vehicular homicide is punishable by five to 10 years in state prison if a defendant is convicted.
Schneider remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fatal boating crashes are relatively uncommon in New Jersey but often result in heightened enforcement efforts during the busy summer boating season. The case also serves as a reminder that boating under the influence carries criminal penalties similar to driving while intoxicated and can result in homicide charges when a fatality occurs.
- A New Jersey grandfather has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide after a fatal boating crash in Barnegat Bay.
- Prosecutors allege Stephen Schneider was intoxicated when his boat struck a properly illuminated channel marker.
- The crash killed his grandchildren, 9-year-old Sigmund Golabek and 7-year-old Mya Golabek, and Schneider is being held without bail.
FAQ
- Who was charged?
Stephen Schneider, 64, of New Jersey. - What charges does he face?
Two counts of reckless vessel homicide (death by vessel), operating a vessel under the influence, and reckless operation of a vessel. - Who were the victims?
Schneider’s grandchildren, 9-year-old Sigmund Golabek and 7-year-old Mya Golabek. - Where did the crash occur?
In Barnegat Bay on the evening of July 19. - What is Schneider’s current status?
He is being held in the Ocean County Jail without bail pending further court proceedings.
Sources: Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office press release; Ocean County Jail records; charging documents; 6ABC Philadelphia reporting.
