A devastating crash at a children’s birthday party in Newport, Michigan, has resulted in multiple charges against a 66-year-old woman, Marshella Marie Chidester. According to the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (MCPO), Chidester allegedly crashed her vehicle into a boat house where the party was being held, killing an eight-year-old girl and her four-year-old brother. Approximately 15 victims, both children, and adults, required first aid at the scene.
The MCPO has charged Chidester with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating under the influence causing death, and four counts of operating under the influence causing serious injury. She was arraigned in court Tuesday and is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
While Chidester’s attorney claims she lost control of the vehicle due to an epileptic seizure, prosecutors dispute this, citing her admission of alcohol consumption despite being prescribed medication that advised against it. Monroe County’s Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery A. Yorke reportedly stated that Chidester’s blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit and that there was no evidence to support the claim of a seizure.
The tragic incident has left the community reeling. The victims’ mother and her 11-year-old son were seriously injured, along with an 18-year-old female and a 14-year-old male. Chidester’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 30, and the investigation is ongoing.
