| Marshella Marie Chidester | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 66. |
| Birth Date | November 1957. |
| Lived at | Newport, Michigan. |
| Gender | Female. |
| Nationality | American. |
| Crime | |
| Arrested for | Killing Two Kids. |
| Arrest Date | April 20, 2024. |
| Charges | HOMICIDE-MURDER-2ND DEGREE |
| Relationship | |
| Husband | Don Chidester. |
Marshella Chidester (age 66, born November 1957) is a resident of Newport, Michigan, found herself in a courtroom on Tuesday, her right arm adorned with a cast, facing charges of second-degree murder involving two young children.
According to Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough, Marshella allegedly drove recklessly through the club’s parking lot, crashing into a building where a children’s birthday party was in full swing.
Surveillance footage captured the disturbing scene, showing Chidester’s vehicle swerving dangerously before the collision.
Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of two young children: 8-year-old Lana Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips. Additionally, several others were injured, including the children’s mother, Mariah Dodds, and their elder brother, Jayden, who are currently fighting for their lives.
Childester has been charged with eight-count
Marshella Chidester has been charged in connection with a tragic incident that occurred on April 20, 2024, at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges specifically relate to the death of an 8-year-old girl, and her 4-year-old brother, and the serious injuries sustained by their mother and 11-year-old brother. Additionally, a 14-year-old male and an 18-year-old female were also seriously injured in the incident.
- Homicide – Murder – Second Degree (2 counts).
- Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death (2 counts).
- Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury (4 counts).
The second-degree murder charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, while the other charges carry varying maximum sentences, ranging from 5 to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines.
Chidester was arraigned before District Court Judge Christian Horkey, who set bond at $1,500,000.00 cash or surety. Conditions of the bond include GPS monitoring and an alcohol tether if she can post-bond. The case has been assigned to District Court Judge Michael Brown.
Marshella’s next court appearance is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on April 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Preliminary Examination on May 6, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.
Marshella Chidester has a past with epilepsy and leg seizures
Following the tragic event at the Swan Boat Club, details emerged regarding Marshella Chidester’s potential whereabouts and state before the accident. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office suggested that Chidester may have been at Verna’s Bar and Grill, a nearby establishment, before the crash.
Her defense attorney argued that she had only consumed a small amount of alcohol and had a meal hours before the incident. They also highlighted Chidester’s medical history of epilepsy and leg seizures, suggesting these conditions might have been a factor in the crash.
However, the prosecution claimed Chidester’s blood alcohol level was high, as per a preliminary test. They also stated she admitted to drinking despite being on seizure medication and advised against alcohol consumption.
Marshella was married to Don Chidester
Marshella Chidester was married to Don Chidester. They were together for a long time. However, since January 2017, Marshella hasn’t posted any pictures with Don on her Facebook profile.
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Marshella Chidester FAQs
Ques: What is Marshella Chidester’s age?
Ans: Marshella is 66.
Ques: Who is Marshella Chidester’s husband?
Ans: Don Chidester.
Ques: How many charges does Marshella Chidester face?
Ans: Marchella faces eight charges, including two counts of second-degree murder.