Michigan authorities have identified the suspect responsible for crashing a car into a boat club in Newport, resulting in the death of two children and injuring nearly a dozen others. Marshella Marie Chidester, 66, has been charged with two counts of second-degree homicide, along with other charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The tragic incident occurred during a birthday party at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, where Chidester’s car plunged 25 feet into the building, causing chaos and devastation.
The car crash resulted in the deaths of Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 5, who were siblings attending the birthday party. Nine others were seriously injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment, including a 31-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy in critical condition. A 16-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy, and an 18-year-old woman are also in serious condition and are currently receiving treatment. Additionally, four women between the ages of 57 and 70 suffered minor injuries, and a tenth injured person sought treatment on their own following the incident.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough described the scene as chaotic and emotional for both the individuals directly involved and those who witnessed the tragedy. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident, working to identify all those who were injured or witnessed the crash. Chidester is currently facing severe consequences if convicted, including a maximum punishment of life in prison for the homicide charges and up to 15 years for each driving while intoxicated causing death charge, as well as fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Following the crash, Chidester was taken into custody and is being held in Monroe County Jail on a $1,500,000 bond. Her next court appearances are scheduled for later in the month. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The community is left grieving over the loss of the two young siblings and hoping for a full recovery for those injured in the tragic incident.
