A tragic incident unfolded at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, Michigan, when a crash caused by 66-year-old Marshella Chidester resulted in the death of two siblings and injuries to several other individuals gathered to celebrate a child’s birthday. Now, Chidester has been ordered to stand trial in Monroe County Circuit Court on two counts of second-degree murder and additional charges related to the accident.
According to authorities, Chidester was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, with a blood alcohol content of 0.18, well above the legal limit of 0.08 in Michigan. She reportedly claimed to have “passed out” while driving to the birthday party at the boat club, leading to the devastating collision captured by surveillance cameras.
The heart-wrenching aftermath of the crash was described as chaotic by Monroe County sheriff’s deputy Steven Schmidt, with injured individuals scattered around the scene, including a child in distress. Tragically, 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips, lost their lives in the accident, while their mother, Mariah Dodds, and another sibling suffered injuries.
During the preliminary examination, Chidester’s defense attorney, Bill Colovos, argued against the second-degree murder charges, emphasizing the absence of evidence suggesting intent to cause harm. Colovos highlighted Chidester’s medical history, citing her struggles with seizures and minimal alcohol consumption prior to the crash.
Prosecutor Jeff Yorkey, however, pointed to Chidester’s substance abuse issues, as reported by her acquaintances, and contested the defense’s claims regarding her health condition. Home surveillance footage presented in court depicted Chidester’s actions leading up to the crash, showing her movements from her residence to the SUV involved in the incident.
As the case progresses to Chidester’s circuit court arraignment scheduled for July 12, the community mourns the loss of young lives and grapples with the repercussions of impaired driving. The devastating consequences of driving under the influence serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel to prevent future tragedies.