Monroe County, Michigan – A Michigan woman faces arraignment on second-degree murder and other charges after a tragic incident at the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County, approximately 30 miles south of Detroit. Marshella Chidester, 66, was accused of crashing her SUV into the boat club during a child’s birthday party, resulting in the death of a four-year-old boy and his eight-year-old sister, as well as injuries to several others.
Chidester, who has been jailed since the incident, did not enter a plea during the arraignment. The prosecutor requested a bond of $1.5 million, which the judge set after hearing from relatives of the victims. According to prosecutor Jeff Yorkey, Chidester has a history of substance abuse, corroborated by friends and family members.
Arguments were made during the hearing regarding Chidester’s condition before the crash. Her defense attorney, Bill Colovos, mentioned that Chidester had only consumed a glass of wine and a bowl of chili several hours prior to the incident. He also stated that she had been suffering from seizures in her legs since November. Despite the tragic outcome, Colovos emphasized that Chidester had no previous traffic violations or criminal record.
However, Yorkey countered by pointing out that there was no evidence of a seizure before the crash. He also mentioned that Chidester’s blood alcohol level was found to be above the legal limit. If Chidester is able to post bond, she will be subject to several restrictions, including surrendering her passport, abstaining from alcohol, wearing a tether, and refraining from driving.
Authorities identified the two young victims of the crash as eight-year-old Alanah Phillips and her four-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips. Their mother, Mariah Dodds, was among the injured. One witness, Raquel Smothers, described the harrowing scene at the party where her niece and nephew lost their lives. Dodds has since filed a lawsuit against Chidester and the tavern where she was reportedly prior to the incident, citing significant injuries sustained.
The Swan Boat Club, where the incident occurred, is a membership-based organization situated near Lake Erie. The club offers various amenities, including holiday events and boat docking services for members. Following the crash, the community has been left devastated by the loss of the young siblings and the injuries suffered by others in attendance at the birthday celebration. A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 30, with a preliminary examination set for May 6.