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StephenSchneider

Grandfather accused in drunk fatal boat crash offered plea deal

According to Stephen Schneider’s attorney, the state offered Schneider a deal calling for a 10-year prison sentence related to the incident.

Matt Trapani

Sep 17, 2026, 6:49 PM

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An Ocean County grandfather accused of being drunk when he crashed a boat that killed two of his grandchildren has been offered a plea deal, News 12 has learned.

According to Stephen Schneider’s attorney, the state offered Schneider a deal calling for a 10-year prison sentence related to the incident.

RELATED: Bayville man accused of crashing boat, killing both grandchildren released from jail pending trial

At a pre-trial hearing last month, prosecutors said Schneider was twice the legal limit when he crashed his boat in the Barnegat Bay in July. The crash killed a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy.

Without a plea deal, Schneider could face 20 years in prison if convicted.

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