A Michigan woman who drove her SUV into a child’s birthday party while drunk, killing two young siblings and injuring over a dozen others, has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
Marshella Chidester, 67, was handed the sentence on Thursday, May 15, after being convicted of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, and five counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. The verdict came down in March after a high-profile trial that shocked the Berlin Township community.
The deadly crash occurred on April 20, 2024, when Chidester barreled into a private event at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township. Eight-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother Zayn Phillips were killed. Their mother and 12 others were among the seriously injured.
Surveillance footage played in court showed Chidester’s SUV flying toward the venue at 44 mph before slamming into the gathering. Her blood alcohol content was later revealed to be more than twice the legal limit. Prosecutors also introduced home surveillance footage allegedly showing her drinking wine earlier that day.
Chidester’s defense attorney, Bill Colovos, argued that she had only consumed a single glass of wine at Verna’s Tavern with food and suggested that a medical condition involving her leg might have caused her to mistakenly hit the gas pedal. But prosecutors were quick to challenge that theory.
“All the evidence shows the drink at Verna’s wasn’t her first, or last, drink of the day,” said Assistant Prosecutor Ken Laurain during the trial.
The jury rejected the medical defense and found Chidester guilty on all counts.
During her sentencing, Chidester addressed the court with remorse: “I’ve asked the Lord to forgive me, and I ask you to at least look into your heart and at some point if you can possibly forgive me, I would appreciate that so much.”
She will be eligible for parole in 25 years.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough released a statement calling the crash a tragedy that deeply affected the local community. “From the moment this happened until today, our community has united to support the victims and ensure Marshella Chidester is held accountable for her actions. The victims and their families affected by this senseless act will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.”
When would people learn that you do not drink and drive.All decisions have consequences