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Drunk driver who killed siblings, 8 and 4, at birthday party tells grief-stricken family she’d ‘appreciate’ forgiveness as she learns fate

May 17, 2025
in News
Drunk driver who killed siblings, 8 and 4, at birthday party tells grief-stricken family she’d ‘appreciate’ forgiveness as she learns fate
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A drunk driver who killed two young siblings when she plowed her SUV into a Michigan children’s birthday party told the grief-stricken family she’d “appreciate” their forgiveness as she learned her fate in court this week.

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.

Marshella Chidester looks around the courtroomm during a break in her murder trial at the Monroe County Courthouse on March 5, 2025.
Marshella Chidester looks around the courtroom during a break in her murder trial at the Monroe County Courthouse on March 5, 2025. AP

“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.

Chidester is accused of killing 8-year-old Lana Phillips and her 5-year-old brother Zayn.
Chidester is accused of killing 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 5-year-old brother Zayn. AP
Images of Zayn and Alanah Phillips are displayed in court during the trial of Marshella Chidester on March 4, 2025.
Images of Zayn and Alanah Phillips are displayed in court during the trial of Marshella Chidester on March 4, 2025. AP

“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.

Mariah Dodds wipes tears from her eyes during Chidester's sentencing on May 15, 2025..
Mariah Dodds wipes tears from her eyes during Chidester’s sentencing on May 15, 2025.. AP
Home video captured Chidester drinking from a glass of wine in her kitchen on the afternoon of April 20, 2024.
Home video captured Chidester drinking from a glass of wine in her kitchen on the afternoon of April 20, 2024. AP

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

With Post wires

The post Drunk driver who killed siblings, 8 and 4, at birthday party tells grief-stricken family she’d ‘appreciate’ forgiveness as she learns fate appeared first on New York Post.

Tags: Car CrashesDeathsdrunk drivingMichigansentencing
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