Samuel Schnee Faces Charges in Phoenix Bonfire Explosion Injuring Girl

A 16-year-old girl suffered a broken jaw and burns after a man allegedly threw a truck shock absorber into a bonfire, according to The Republic.

Jaidynn Penberthy was attending a Halloween bonfire party in the desert on Oct. 30, 2026, when the object was tossed into the flames, according to The Republic. About three to five minutes after the object entered the fire, an explosion occurred, Phoenix police said.

Penberthy was struck in the face by shrapnel and fell into the fire, which caused burns to her back and legs, her family told The Arizona Republic.

Man arrested, facing aggravated assault charges in connection with bonfire explosion

Phoenix police identified 24-year-old Samuel Schnee as the man who may have been responsible for throwing the object into the fire, according to Sgt. Chris Berrelleza.

Schnee was taken into custody by Phoenix police officers without incident on Nov. 6, Berrelleza said. He was booked on numerous felonies and faces multiple charges of aggravated assault and endangerment, according to the sergeant.

Arrest made in bonfire explosion that severely injured teenage girl

The object itself was a truck shock absorber, according to Penberthy’s grandmother, Celeste Flores, in an email to The Arizona Republic. These components are metal tubes filled with hydraulic fluid that are kept under pressure.

Phoenix Fire Department personnel treated Penberthy at the scene and transported her to a hospital, according to Sgt. Berrelleza.

Samuel Schnee Faces Charges in Phoenix Bonfire Explosion Injuring Girl — Photo: azfamily.com

Penberthy’s recovery will involve a long series of medical interventions. According to a GoFundMe page created by her family, she faces multiple surgeries, dental procedures, and additional medical evaluations.

The incident occurred near 67th Avenue and New River Road around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, according to Sgt. Berrelleza.