Grandfather released after being charged in Barnegat Bay boat crash that killed his 2 grandchildren

A judge on Wednesday approved the conditional release of Stephen Schneider, a 63-year-old grandfather charged after a Barnegat Bay boat crash killed his two grandchildren. Prosecutors had argued he should remain detained, citing a blood alcohol level of 0.16—twice the legal limit—along with alleged impairment. The judge instead ordered conditional release, including a temporary ban on operating a boat or motor vehicle while he completes a court-ordered assessment. Schneider faces two counts of death by vessel related to the July 19 crash. Family letters and defense claims said the incident was not intentional, and investigators are checking whether the struck channel marker was lit.