A jury has convicted 67-year-old Marshella Chidester of Newport, Michigan, on all charges related to a tragic crash that killed two young siblings and injured several others. The verdict was reached on Thursday after a trial that lasted four days.
The crash occurred last April at the Boat Club in Newport, where Chidester, while allegedly intoxicated, drove her vehicle into a child’s birthday party. The victims, siblings Zayn and Alanah Phillips, lost their lives, while many others suffered injuries.
Chidester was found guilty on nine charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and five counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury. She now faces what is effectively two life sentences. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 13, and she has been booked into the Monroe County Jail while awaiting sentencing. Her defense attorney has announced plans to appeal the ruling within the next 60 days.
Brian Phillips, the father of the two children who died in the crash, expressed relief at the verdict, stating that justice had been served and that the evidence clearly pointed to Chidester’s guilt.
Monroe County Prosecutor Jeff Yorkey, speaking after the verdict, acknowledged the pain and loss suffered by the victims and their families, stating that no ruling could bring back the children or heal the physical and emotional trauma of those affected. He expressed gratitude to first responders, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police forensic experts, and the victim’s rights coordinator for their efforts in handling the case.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from forensic experts, attendees of the Swan Boat Club on the day of the crash, and the mother of the deceased children. Prosecutors argued that Chidester was intoxicated from alcohol and gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication. Tests showed her blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.
The defense questioned the validity of the blood tests, pointing to a trace amount of acetate that could suggest improper handling. However, new video evidence showed Chidester consuming multiple glasses of wine less than an hour before the crash. Witnesses also testified that she purchased alcohol earlier in the day, and investigators found a small wine bottle in her car’s console.
