PHOENIX, AZ – A Peoria teenager suffered serious burns after a Halloween bonfire exploded on Oct. 30, and a local Eagle Scout has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Arrest and charges
Police say Samuel Wolf Schnee, 24, threw an old car shock or strut into the fire at a desert‑side party. The resulting explosion left 16‑year‑old Jaidynn Penberthy with severe injuries. Court records show Schnee was booked on three counts of aggravated assault and seven counts of endangerment.
Bond and court appearance
Schnee appeared in court early Saturday with attorney Jerald Schreck. Schreck argued the state could not definitively identify Schnee as the person who tossed the item because the evidence lacked clear identification, and that officials had not confirmed which object caused the blast.
The judge denied the request to dismiss probable cause, noting that at least two or three witnesses identified Schnee as the individual who placed the shock in the fire. While the judge acknowledged that the legal question of proximate cause – whether Schnee’s actions directly led to Penberthy’s injuries – would be decided at trial, she set a bond of $25,000, which Schnee posted.
Prosecutor’s stance
State prosecutor Dawn Sauer called Schnee’s alleged conduct “extremely reckless.” She said Schnee admitted to throwing an old shock or strut into the fire, claiming he had drilled holes to release harmful chemicals, which he knew were present.
Defense arguments
Schreck emphasized Schnee’s community service record, noting he has been an Eagle Scout, a lifeguard, and has no prior criminal history. He argued that Schnee is not a danger to the community and should be released on his own recognizance. The judge, however, concluded that while Schnee posed a danger at the time of the incident, there was no current danger warranting a higher bond.
Community response
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover Penberthy’s medical expenses, reflecting community concern for the injured teen.
Next steps
The case will proceed to trial, where the court will examine the evidence surrounding the bonfire explosion and determine whether Schnee’s actions meet the legal standard for aggravated assault and endangerment.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and additional details may emerge as the legal process moves forward.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
