MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — The woman accused in a boat club crash that killed two children and injured others is headed to trial, according to court documents.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said on April 20 around 3 p.m. a vehicle ran into the Swan Boat Club in Newport, where a children's birthday party was taking place.
Deputies said Marshella Chidester, 66, was driving the vehicle and was arrested for driving intoxicated and causing death.
The sheriff said two siblings were killed at the scene: an 8-year-old girl named Alanah Phillips and a 4-year-old boy named Zayn Phillips. WTOL said several others, including the children's mother and older brother, were seriously injured.
According to WTOL, Chidester posted bond and was released from jail on April 25. Her bond was set at $1.5 million during an arraignment hearing at the Monroe County District Court.
Since she posted her bond, she has been monitored by GPS and has not been allowed to consume any alcohol.
The defense has argued that Chidester suffers from a mental condition that caused paralysis in her legs, which they claimed caused the crash, WTOL said. Prosecutors said Chidester's blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit when the crash happened.
She has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while impaired by liquor causing death and four counts of operating while impaired causing injury.
If Chidester is convicted, she could face up to two life sentences, two 15-year sentences and four five-year sentences.
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