BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Charges were expected to be brought Tuesday against the woman accused of driving under the influence when she crashed into a child’s birthday party in Monroe County over the weekend, killing two children.
---> UPDATE: Monroe woman charged with murder in birthday party crash that killed 2 kids
A 66-year-old woman, who was identified Tuesday as Marshella Chidester of Monroe, was arrested Saturday, April 20 for driving while intoxicated causing death. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Chidester was at a nearby tavern before driving into the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, where a child’s birthday party was being held.
Two young children, a brother and sister, were killed when the woman crashed into the building. More than a dozen other people were injured, including more children.
The sheriff’s office said a charging decision was expected to be made for Chidester by Tuesday, April 23. She was also expected to be arraigned at 11 a.m. on the same day.
Here’s a look at what happened.
Deadly crash on Saturday
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 Lake Erie.
At about 3 p.m. Saturday, a suspected drunk driver drove into the building, crashing into a wall on the building’s north side. The vehicle -- driven by 66-year-old Chidester -- stopped about 25 feet inside the building.
Two children were killed in the crash. The kids were identified by police as 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her brother, 5-year-old Zayn Phillips.
A third sibling and the children’s mother were also seriously injured in the crash. They were hospitalized and were 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.
Others who were injured were privately taken for medical treatment, officials said.
Driver cooperating with investigation
Chidester, who drove an apparent SUV into the boat club, was believed to be drunk at the time. Monroe County authorities say their investigation indicates she was at a nearby tavern before the crash.
Surveillance video from a home nearby shows Chidester’s vehicle speeding by. You can see that footage in the video report at the top of this article.
Police said Chidester was cooperating with the investigation. She was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Additional criminal charges were expected to be brought against Chidester on Tuesday.
The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office publicly identified Chidester for the first time on Tuesday before her scheduled arraignment.
Who 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.
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.