BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 66-year-old woman accused of driving drunk and crashing into a child’s birthday party in Monroe County was arraigned Tuesday on several charges, including second-degree murder.
Marshella Chidester, a resident of Monroe, is facing eight charges after crashing her vehicle into a young child’s birthday party on Saturday, April 20. Two young children, a brother and sister, were killed in the crash. Several others -- including the siblings’ mother and older brother -- were injured.
The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office is charging Chidester with eight crimes, including:
- Two counts of second-degree murder -- which carries a punishment of up to life in prison.
- Two counts of operating under the influence of liquor causing death -- which carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.
- Four counts of operating under the influence of liquor causing serious injury -- which carries a punishment of up to 5 years in prison.
Chidester was given a $1.5 million bond, as was recommended by the prosecutor’s office. The woman is not allowed to use alcohol, operate a vehicle or commit any other crimes while on bond, the judge said.
Details from the crash
On Saturday, April 20, a birthday party was taking place for a young child at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The club is located off of Lake Erie.
At about 3 p.m., a suspected drunk driver drove into the building, crashing into a wall on the building’s north side. The vehicle -- driven by Chidester -- stopped about 25 feet inside the building.
Two children were killed in the crash. They were identified as 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her brother, 5-year-old Zayn Phillips.
A third sibling and the children’s mother were also injured in the crash. They were hospitalized in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe started for the family.
Of the people injured Saturday, police said that nine of them -- three children and six adults -- had injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. It’s believed that count includes the victims’ mother and brother.
What we learned at arraignment
Since the onset of the investigation, authorities have said Chidester was believed to be drunk at the time of the crash. Chidester was at a nearby tavern before the crash, officials said.
The Monroe County prosecutor reiterated that point at Chidester’s arraignment Tuesday. The prosecutor said an initial breath test showed Chidester’s blood-alcohol level was “well above” the legal limit. Chidester also allegedly admitted that she wasn’t supposed to be drinking, but did drink that day.
Chidester’s defense attorney claimed the woman had only one glass of wine four hours before the crash at 3 p.m.
The defense also claimed Chidester had a seizure at the time of the crash -- something the woman had allegedly been experiencing over the past few months. Chidester’s attorney said his client occasionally suffers from seizures in her legs, and that she’s taking multiple medications because of it.
The prosecuting attorney said their investigation showed no evidence of a seizure happening at the time of the crash. Prosecutors also allege Chidester has a substance abuse problem and said that was corroborated by several people.
The defense argued that Chidester didn’t have any history of criminal charges or traffic violations in hopes of getting the bond down to $100,000. The judge said he took that information into consideration, but decided on a $1.5 million bond due to the severity of the charges against the woman.
You can watch the full arraignment down below.
Chidester was initially arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. She was cooperating with the investigation, officials said then.
Surveillance footage shows speeding car
Surveillance video from a home nearby shows Chidester’s vehicle speeding by before crashing into the boat club where the party was taking place.
That surveillance footage can be seen in the video report below.
Who else was injured
Nine people were taken to the hospital on Saturday in ambulances and air ambulances, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. One person, a 42-year-old man, received medical treatment on his own, officials said.
Here is a list of the people injured and their conditions, as of 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22:
- 31-year-old woman, critical condition.
- 11-year-old boy, critical condition.
- 18-year-old woman, serious condition.
- 16-year-old girl, serious condition.
- 14-year-old boy, serious condition.
- 70-year-old woman, minor injuries.
- 66-year-old woman, minor injuries.
- 62-year-old woman, minor injuries.
- 57-year-old woman, minor injuries.
- 42-year-old man, minor injuries.
GoFundMe set up for family
A fundraising campaign was started for the family of the two children who were killed, and whose mother and other sibling were seriously hurt on Saturday. The GoFundMe, which was verified by the GoFundMe platform, is seeking to raise $200,000 to help with funeral services, as well as housing and medical expenses for the family.
As of Tuesday morning, the campaign had raised more than its goal.
Click here to see the GoFundMe.
Watch: Driver’s arraignment
The entire April 23, 2024, arraignment hearing for Marshella Chidester can be seen below.
School district reaches out
The two children killed Saturday, and their older brother who is hospitalized, were members of the Flat Rock Community Schools district.
District Superintendent Andrew Brodie wrote a letter to families on Sunday, April 21.
“It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today following the tragic events that unfolded yesterday. A senseless accident occurred where a drunk driver crashed into Swan Creek Boat Club, resulting in the loss of two siblings who were students in our school (Early Childhood Center, Bobcean Elementary) and severe injuries of a third sibling (Simpson Middle School),” Brodie said, in part.
“Our entire school community is reeling from this devastating news, and our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time.”
Counselors and social workers were expected to provide support at Flat Rock schools starting Monday, April 22.