Barnegat Bay Boat Crash Plea Bargain Offered
BARNEGAT, NJ – A plea bargain has been offered to Stephen Schneider, facing two counts of death by vessel following a boat crash that killed his two grandchildren.
The incident occurred on July 4, 2023, on Barnegat Bay. Authorities reported that Schneider's vessel collided with another boat, resulting in fatalities for his 10-year-old grandson and 8-year-old granddaughter. Multiple emergency response agencies, including the New Jersey State Police and local rescue squads, were dispatched to the scene.
Witnesses described chaotic moments as medical aid was administered. Both children were pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the crash. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing, with authorities examining potential contributing factors.
Schneider is scheduled for a hearing on the plea offer next month. He remains under legal counsel as proceedings continue.