Arizona man charged after Halloween bonfire explosion injures teen

A 16-year-old girl was seriously injured when a car part exploded in a Phoenix bonfire, according to police.

The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6, during a Halloween gathering in the desert. Detectives said multiple partygoers were struck by debris, but only Jaidynn Penberthy sustained serious injuries. She was 10 feet away from the fire when the blast knocked her unconscious.

Phoenix police believe Samuel Wolf Schnee, 24, threw the object into the flames. Court records show he was booked on three counts of aggravated assault and seven counts of endangerment. State prosecutor Dawn Sauer described the alleged actions as extremely reckless. She noted that Schnee admitted to throwing an old shock or strut into the fire. Sauer said Schnee claimed he had drilled holes to release harmful chemicals, but he knew those chemicals were inside.

Ethan Glass, Penberthy’s older brother, said the scene was chaotic. He described the blood loss and the chaos as resembling a horror movie. Strangers performed lifesaving measures while friends drove Penberthy to get help. One girl performed a sternum rub to try to restore Penberthy’s pulse, which Glass said had stopped for about a minute.

Penberthy suffered a broken jaw, multiple facial fractures, missing teeth, and burns. The debris struck her face, hitting her mouth, nose, and the side of her face. She was flown to a burn center and underwent facial reconstruction surgery. More operations are required. Glass said she is in pain and has trouble breathing, but he called her very thankful that she is alive. A GoFundMe has been established to cover her medical expenses.

Schnee appeared in court early Saturday morning. His attorney, Jerald Schreck, argued that the state could not reasonably identify Schnee as the person who threw the item. Schreck also said it was not yet confirmed which specific item caused the explosion. The judge found probable cause, citing at least two or three witnesses who identified Schnee as the one who placed a shock in the fire. The judge stated that proximate cause, or whether Schnee’s actions directly led to the injuries, would be decided at trial.

Schreck asked for release on his own recognizance, citing Schnee’s background as an Eagle Scout and lifeguard and his lack of criminal history. Sauer requested a $75,000 bond. The judge set the bond at $25,000, acknowledging the danger at the time of the incident but determining he does not pose a danger now. Schnee posted bond and was released.

The next court date is scheduled for a preliminary hearing to determine if the case proceeds to trial.