FILE - The trial continues for Marshella Chidester, who leaves her court seat during a break in the Monroe County Courthouse courtroom, March 6, 2025, in Monroe, Mich. (Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press via AP, Pool)
Michigan drunken driver sentenced to 25 years for birthday party crash that killed 2 kids
MONROE, Mich. (AP) — A drunken driver who crashed her SUV into a birthday party at a Michigan boat club, killing two children, was sentenced Thursday to at least 25 years in prison for second-degree murder.
FILE - The trial continues for Marshella Chidester, who leaves her court seat during a break in the Monroe County Courthouse courtroom, March 6, 2025, in Monroe, Mich. (Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press via AP, Pool)
MONROE, Mich. (AP) — A drunken driver who crashed her SUV into a birthday party at a Michigan boat club, killing two children, was sentenced Thursday to at least 25 years in prison for second-degree murder.
Marshella Chidester sat just a few feet away as the parents of 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother Zayn Phillips described the impact of the devastating loss last year at what was supposed to be a celebration.
“That grief has been unbearable. ... She took everything in my life and destroyed it,” Mariah Dodds said through tears.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Security video showed an SUV zipping along a dusty, pitted road at 44 mph (71 kph) before crashing into the side of the Swan Boat Club, near Lake Erie, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Detroit.
Chidester, 67, was and other charges after a four-day trial in March in Monroe County. Her blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit to drive, according to evidence.
Chidester’s trial lawyer suggested a leg problem could have caused her to press hard on the gas pedal, a claim the jury rejected.
Because of her age, Chidester could die in prison before she becomes eligible for parole in 25 years.
“I’ve asked the Lord to forgive me,” Chidester said in court, “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.”
Chidester lived close to the boat club and had many personal connections to it, her lawyer said. Her father started it, she was a former commodore and she held her wedding reception there, her lawyer said.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The pc28Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
