Monroe County, Michigan – A tragic accident unfolded at Swan Boat Club over the weekend during a child’s birthday party when a 66-year-old woman crashed her SUV into the venue, resulting in the death of a four-year-old birthday boy and his eight-year-old sister. Marshella Chidester faced arraignment for second-degree murder and other charges related to the incident. Multiple people were injured, including family members of the young victims.
Chidester, who has been held in custody since the crash, appeared in court with her arm in a cast. Prosecutors requested a $1.5 million bond due to her alleged substance abuse issues, which were supported by her friends and family. However, her defense attorney argued for a significantly lower bond amount of $100,000.
The court heard conflicting accounts regarding Chidester’s condition at the time of the crash. While her attorney claimed she had only consumed a small amount of alcohol and suffered from pre-existing medical conditions, prosecutors stated that her blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. If released on bond, Chidester would be subject to strict conditions such as surrendering her passport, refraining from alcohol consumption, and wearing a monitoring device.
The Phillips family, who lost their two young children in the tragedy, were among the victims of the crash. One family member, Raquel Smothers, emotionally recounted the heart-wrenching moments of witnessing the loss of her nephew and niece during the party. The children’s mother, Mariah Dodds, sustained severe injuries and is pursuing legal action against Chidester and the establishment where she was reportedly prior to the crash.
In response to the incident, a Detroit law firm representing Dodds revealed the extent of her injuries, which included broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and various bruises. Additionally, her surviving son suffered multiple fractures. The Swan Boat Club, a popular venue for social gatherings and boat owners, now finds itself at the center of a tragic event that has shaken the local community.
As the case unfolds, a probable cause conference is scheduled for late April, with a preliminary examination set for early May. The devastating impact of the crash has underscored the importance of road safety and the consequences of impaired driving, leaving families and bystanders grappling with the aftermath of the senseless loss of innocent lives.