(LibertySociety.com) – Tragedy struck at a boat club in Michigan when a 66-year-old woman drove into the side of a building and killed two young siblings attending a birthday party. The Swan Boat Club announced that it was temporarily closing after the horrific incident, which also severely injured nine others. Fifteen people overall were wounded as she drove 25 feet into the building while intoxicated. The siblings, 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and 4-year-old Zayn Phillips died at the scene of the incident. Their 11-year-old brother was also struck by the vehicle and suffered two broken legs and a fractured skull. The children’s mother, Mariah Dodds, was injured and in critical condition with a collapsed lung and six broken ribs.
Monroe County prosecutors charged Marshella Chidester with two counts of second-degree murder, along with six other charges. Dodds is suing Chidester and the restaurant where she was drinking before leaving in her vehicle. The daughter of the restaurant owner claimed that Chidester only drank a single glass of wine while eating soup. She believes that the investigation will reveal that the restaurant was not to blame. Chidester was released from custody on April 25 on a $1.5 million bond. Her attorney claimed in court that she has “epileptic-type seizures,” which caused her to plow into the building. He also said she was previously told by her doctor not to drive, but the order was only temporary.
County prosecutor Jeffery Yorkey said that Chidester was “significantly over the legal limit” when she was given a breath test. She also took a blood-alcohol level test, according to her attorney. Her bond conditions forbid her from drinking or getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. She was ordered to wear a tether device and monitored for substance use. A GoFundMe campaign was started for the family and posted on the boat club’s website. So far, more than $224,000 has been donated to assist with funeral expenses and medical bills.
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