Newport, Mich. – A Michigan woman has been convicted on multiple charges after her car struck a child’s birthday party last year, resulting in the deaths of two siblings and injuries to several others. The Monroe County jury delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding 67-year-old Marshella Chidester guilty of nine charges, including two counts of murder.
The tragic incident occurred at the Swan Boat Club in Newport in April. Reports indicate that Chidester’s vehicle plowed through the venue where the birthday party was being held, killing young Zayn and Alanah Phillips.
Besides the murder charges, Chidester was found guilty of two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and five counts of causing serious injury under the same condition. The verdict could lead to what amounts to two life sentences for Chidester. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 13, and she remains in Monroe County Jail until that date.
The local community and the victims’ family have been closely following the trial which began on Monday, with final arguments presented on Thursday. The jury returned their decision after approximately two hours of deliberation.
Brian Phillips, the father of the deceased children, expressed relief at the outcome of the trial. “I believe they did get this right,” he stated, underlining the clarity of the evidence against Chidester and the need for accountability.
During the trial, evidence presented by prosecutors suggested Chidester was significantly over the legal alcohol limit and had also consumed gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication. Technicians from the Michigan State Police forensic team testified about the high blood alcohol content and the defense raised concerns about the handling of the blood samples, noting a trace amount of acetate.
Witnesses at the scene and the subsequent investigation provided damning testimonies against Chidester. An employee from a local business recalled serving her one glass of wine the day of the crash, though she did not seem impaired upon leaving. However, security footage shown in court displayed Chidester consuming what looked to be multiple glasses of wine at her home shortly before the crash. Additionally, a local party store employee testified that Chidester purchased a bottle of wine and a four-pack earlier that morning, and investigating officers found an empty wine bottle in her car.
The implications of this case have resonated throughout Monroe County, prompting discussions on road safety and the regulations surrounding intoxication and operating vehicles.
Monroe County Prosecutor Jeff Yorkey reflected on the gravity of the case at a post-verdict news conference. He acknowledged the irrevocable loss and suffering caused by the incident. “There’s never any winners in a case like this,” said Yorkey, emphasizing that no court ruling could reverse the damage done.
Appreciation was also extended to the first responders and the investigative teams, whose efforts helped manage the immediate aftermath of the crash and contributed crucial insights during the trial process.
As Chidester’s attorney announced plans to appeal the verdict within the next 60 days, the community and all those affected await the next developments in this poignant local story. Meanwhile, broader conversations about driving under the influence continue to evolve, driven by cases like this with such devastating outcomes.