TL/DR –
Marshella Chidester, 66, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing death and four counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury after crashing into a Michigan business where a child’s birthday party was being held, leading to the death of siblings Zayn and Alanah Phillips. Chidester’s attorney claimed she has a history of epileptic seizures in her legs and lost control of the car when she crashed, and that she had consumed one glass of wine four hours before the crash. However, the prosecution refuted these claims, stating that Chidester’s blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit at the time of the crash and there was no evidence to suggest she suffered a seizure during the incident.
Fatal Drunk-Driver Crashes into Michigan Birthday Celebration
An intoxicated woman crashed her vehicle into a Michigan business hosting a child’s birthday party, resulting in the tragic deaths of two siblings. The driver, Marshella Chidester, 66, collided with Swan Boat Club in Berlin Charter Township, penetrating 25 feet into the party area.
Chidester was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, operating under the influence causing death, and operating under the influence causing serious injury. Should she be convicted, she could face life imprisonment. Her bail was set at $1.5 million.
Deceased siblings, Zayn Phillips, 5, and Alanah Phillips, 8, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third sibling survived but sustained severe injuries. It remains unclear whether the party was for either of the children.
During the arraignment, Chidester’s lawyer claimed she had a history of epileptic seizures which caused the accident. He also contested the DUI charges, stating that she had consumed only one glass of wine four hours before the incident.
Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffery A. Yorkey, contested these claims, asserting that Chidester’s blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit. He made no mention of the exact blood alcohol level.
A woman claiming to be the children’s grandmother accused Chidester of drinking and driving, expressing her grief over the loss of her grandchildren.
The deceased children’s aunt revealed she was present at the accident scene and witnessed her niece and nephew’s final moments. She described the devastating impact of the crash on her family.
The children’s mother and another nephew were also injured in the crash. The mother was told of her children’s demise after being taken off a ventilator.
A total of 13 people were injured in the crash, with nine, aged 11 to 66, requiring hospitalization. Five remain in critical condition.
The remaining four, aged 57 to 70, suffered minor injuries while another man treated his own minor injuries. Chidester’s next court appearance is on April 30.
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