Michigan woman driving to boat club had twice the legal limit of alcohol in her blood

On April 20, 2024, 66-year-old Marshella Chidester drove her SUV into the Swan Boat Club in Newport, Michigan during a child’s birthday party.

Two young siblings, 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and 4-year-old Zayn Phillips, were killed in the accident and 11 others were injured.

Chidester has now been charged with several crimes, including two counts of first-degree murder and several counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol causing death and serious injury.

Prosecutors said Chidester’s blood alcohol concentration on the day of the accident was 0.18 per mille, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 per mille.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented video evidence showing the chaos after the crash, with people screaming and fleeing the scene.

Body camera footage from a responding deputy showed Chidester admitting to drinking some wine and taking anti-seizure medication.

Chidester’s defense attorney argued that she had passed out while driving as a result of an epileptic seizure and had no memory of the accident.

He said Chidester suffered from neuropathy and epileptic seizures in her legs, but medical experts interviewed by The Detroit News said that while the condition could impair her ability to drive, it would not cause her to lose consciousness.

Lawsuits have been filed against Chidester and Verna’s Tavern, where she was allegedly drinking before the accident.

If convicted of murder, Chidester faces life imprisonment.