Boat Crash Defendant Rejects 10-Year Plea Deal After Two Children Die in Barnegat Bay

A New Jersey boat crash case involving the deaths of two young children took another turn this week after prosecutors offered the defendant a 10-year plea agreement that he ultimately rejected.

On September 15, 2026, prosecutors presented the plea offer to Schneider. Under the proposed agreement, he would plead guilty to two counts of “death by vessel” and receive two consecutive five-year prison sentences, for a total of 10 years. He would also be required to serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Schneider declined the offer. His attorney told the court that the defense still had significant documentation to review before making a decision. Prosecutors also said they were waiting for autopsy reports and additional information from the U.S. Coast Guard as the investigation continues.

As of September 18, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that no plea agreement had been finalized. Without a negotiated deal, Schneider could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the two related charges.

The underlying accident occurred on July 19, 2026, in Barnegat Bay. Authorities say Schneider’s boat struck a navigational marker, throwing two children into the water.

The children were identified as Mya Bella Golabek, 9, and Sigmund Paul Golabek, 7. Both were subsequently found dead following the accident, turning what began as a boating incident into a major criminal investigation.

During earlier court proceedings, prosecutors stated that Schneider’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.16, approximately twice New Jersey’s legal limit for operating a vessel while impaired. That information has been presented as part of the prosecution’s case and does not itself constitute a final verdict of guilt.

Schneider has remained out of custody under court-ordered conditions. Those conditions prohibit him from operating boats or motor vehicles while he awaits further proceedings and evaluations.

The rejected plea offer does not end the case. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to continue reviewing evidence, including the pending autopsy findings and information from the Coast Guard.

Schneider’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 16, 2026. Until the case is resolved, the charges against him remain allegations, and the court has not entered a final verdict on his guilt.

Source: NY Post