Accused in Fatal Boat Crash, Woman Granted Release on $1.5 Million Bond
DEBARYLIFE – Jail officials verified that the lady charged in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on Saturday at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township has been released after securing a bond.
The $1.5 million bond for 66-year-old Marshella Chidester was established. She was placed under strict guidelines that included not driving a car, being monitored for drug addiction, and using a GPS tether.
The boat club was throwing a child’s birthday party on Saturday afternoon when Chidester slammed into it.
The moment before a fatal car accident into a Monroe County building during a birthday celebration is seen on camera.
Alanah Phillips, age eight, and Zayn Phillips, age four, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ten additional people were hurt in the collision and taken to the hospital, including Alanah and Zayn’s mother. One of the victims had minor wounds and went to get medical attention for himself. Conditions for the remaining nine victims ranged from minor wounds to life-threatening illnesses.
Two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of OWI causing death, and four counts of OWI causing serious harm were among the eight accusations against Chidester that were brought against him on Tuesday morning.
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Emotions were running high in the courtroom on Tuesday when the judge permitted the victims’ friends and relatives to speak.
“I had to see my nephew and niece who passed away. Raquel Smothers, Alanah, and Zayn’s aunt said, “I had to witness their very last moment before her car was removed.”
“Today, when her ventilator was removed, I had to be the one to tell my sister that her twins were no longer with her. “How am I supposed to live without my babies?” she exclaimed.
The aunt of the two children died in the Swan Boat Club disaster talks at the suspect’s arraignment.
You can use the legitimate GoFundMe link to contribute to the family’s funeral expenses.
For one of the hospitalized victims, a GoFundMe has also been established. Also verified is this page.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau can be reached at 734-240-7530 if you have any information on the incident.