Michigan drunk driver Marshella Chidester sentenced for killing siblings Alanah and Zayn Phillips at birthday party
Share and Follow

The devastating incident occurred last October, when the driver, 23-year-old A’lexis Gray, crashed into the party in Eaton County. The tragic accident claimed the lives of 6-year-old Titus and 5-year-old Mya, leaving their family and community in mourning.

Marshella Chidester, 67, was handed a 25- to 50-year prison sentence Thursday for the deadly crash that killed 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn. 

Her blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when she crashed 25 feet through Swan Creek Boat Club in Newport, where children and their parents were enjoying the birthday festivities on April 20, 2024.

“The grief has been unbearable,” Mariah Dodds, the devastated mother, told the court at sentencing. 

“She took everything in my life and destroyed it.”

Alarming footage captured the convicted boozer’s blue car darting through the club’s parking lot before slamming into and obliterating the side of the Berlin Township building.

Both children died at the scene, with the catastrophic wreck severely injuring 13 others.

“I’ve asked the Lord to forgive me,” Chidester said during her feeble plea for mercy.

“And I ask you to at least look into your heart and at some point, if you can possibly forgive me, I would appreciate that so much.”

Chidester was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges in March after a four-day trial, during which her legal team claimed that a leg injury caused her to press down hard on the gas pedal.

They further argued that she only had one glass of wine before getting behind the wheel.

Chidester will be eligible for parole in 25 years — when she’s 92 years old.

With Post wires

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Islanders defense struggles in rough road loss to Jets

Islanders’ Defensive Woes Lead to Challenging Defeat Against Jets on the Road

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — For the second time in just three days, the…
FBI 'is investigating ICE shooting victim's links to activist groups'

FBI Probes Possible Activist Connections of ICE Shooting Victim Amid Controversy

Federal investigators have recently turned their attention to examining potential ties between…
Pete Hegseth makes Star Trek joke unveiling Pentagon's non-'woke' AI

Pete Hegseth’s Star Trek Quip Steals the Spotlight at Pentagon’s Unveiling of Non-‘Woke’ AI Technology

Pete Hegseth made a playful remark about Star Trek becoming “real” during…
Tennessee Highway Patrol debunks viral claims protester was struck by trooper vehicle

Fact Check: Tennessee Highway Patrol Clears the Air on Viral Protester Incident

Dashcam footage has surfaced showing a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer deftly maneuvering…
Moment paraglider plunges into ocean from 500ft in the air

Dramatic Paragliding Incident: Pilot Falls into Ocean from 500 Feet

In a dramatic turn of events, a paraglider found himself plummeting nearly…
Backlash against first autistic Barbie for 'reinforcing stereotypes'

Controversy Arises Over First Autistic Barbie Amid Concerns of Stereotype Reinforcement

Mattel’s introduction of its first-ever autistic Barbie has sparked controversy, with critics…
Disabled JTA riders raise concerns about proposed Connexion Plus rate hikes

JTA’s Proposed Connexion Plus Fare Increases Spark Concerns Among Disabled Riders

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is facing criticism over its proposed fare…
Iran regime opened fire with live ammunition on protesters, doctor says: ‘Shoot-to-kill’

Iranian Authorities Accused of Using Live Rounds on Protesters, Doctor Reports ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Tactics

In a troubling escalation of violence, Iranian security forces have reportedly shifted…