25 To 50 Years: 5 Key Facts About The Marshella Chidester Trial And Sentencing Update

The tragic and high-profile case of Marshella Chidester, the woman responsible for the fatal crash at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, Michigan, has reached its final judicial conclusion, with a recent court order dated December 9, 2025, confirming her long-term sentence. Chidester was found guilty on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, after driving her vehicle into a children's birthday party, resulting in the deaths of two young siblings and injuring several others. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the case, her life, the trial, and the final judgment that has stunned the community.

The severity of the charges and the devastating impact on the victims' families have made this one of the most closely watched trials in Monroe County history. The conviction and subsequent sentencing of 25 to 50 years in state prison underscore the legal system's response to the catastrophic consequences of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The details surrounding the incident and the court proceedings reveal a complex and tragic sequence of events.

Marshella Chidester: A Brief Biographical Profile

Marshella Chidester became a figure of national attention following the horrific incident at the Swan Boat Club. While her life before the crash was relatively private, the legal proceedings brought forth some key biographical details.

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• Full Name: Marshella Marie Chidester
• Age: She was 66 years old when the crash occurred and 67 when she was convicted in March 2025.
• Residence: Monroe County, Michigan.
• The Incident: On April 20, 2024, Chidester drove her vehicle into the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, where a child's birthday party was taking place.
• Victims: The crash resulted in the deaths of 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips. Several other adults and children were also seriously injured.
• Legal Status: Currently incarcerated, serving a 25-to-50-year sentence.

The context of the crash—a vehicle slamming into a building during a children’s birthday celebration—shocked the local community and raised significant questions about accountability and drunk driving laws.

The Shocking Details of the Swan Boat Club Crash

The event that led to Marshella Chidester's conviction was a tragedy that unfolded rapidly on a Saturday afternoon. The Swan Boat Club was hosting a birthday party when Chidester's SUV suddenly accelerated through the building's wall, leaving a scene of chaos and devastation.

The investigation quickly determined that Chidester was operating her vehicle while under the influence (OUI). Her level of intoxication was a central element in the prosecution's case, elevating the charges from mere vehicular manslaughter to second-degree murder. This distinction is crucial, as it implies a "malice" or a reckless disregard for human life, a key component of the second-degree murder charge in Michigan.

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The two young victims, Alanah Phillips and Zayn Phillips, were part of the family celebrating the birthday. Their deaths left an indelible mark on the community and became the focus of the intense media coverage surrounding the trial. The injuries sustained by other attendees, including the children's mother, also played a role in the nine total charges Chidester faced.

Trial, Conviction, and the Landmark Sentencing

The trial of Marshella Chidester was a highly emotional and closely followed event in Monroe County Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Daniel White. The prosecution argued that Chidester's actions demonstrated a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others due to her decision to drive while intoxicated.

The Guilty Verdict

In March 2025, a jury found Marshella Chidester guilty of all nine charges brought against her. The nine counts included:

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• Two counts of Second-Degree Murder (for Alanah and Zayn Phillips).
• Two counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death.
• Four counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury.
• One count of Operating While Intoxicated.

The guilty verdict on second-degree murder was a significant legal victory for the prosecution, as it is a far more serious charge than involuntary manslaughter and carries a much longer potential prison sentence.

The Sentencing Hearing: 25 to 50 Years

The sentencing phase, which took place shortly after the conviction, was a moment of profound emotional gravity for the victims' families. On the second-degree murder charges, the Monroe County judge sentenced Chidester to a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 50 years in state prison.

This sentence is effectively a life sentence for the 67-year-old Chidester. The judge's decision was a clear message about the severe legal consequences for those whose reckless actions, particularly drunk driving, result in the loss of life. The court also levied additional, concurrent sentences for the OUI and injury-related charges.

The Latest Legal Update: December 2025

As of December 2025, the legal process surrounding Marshella Chidester's case continues to be documented in the court system. A recent order from the Michigan Court of Appeals, dated December 9, 2025, confirms the ongoing judicial review process following her conviction and sentencing.

While the initial sentencing is complete, appeals are a standard part of high-profile criminal cases. This latest court record confirms that the legal machinery is still moving, though the conviction and sentence remain in effect. The family of the victims, the Phillips family, has continued to advocate for justice and to honor the memory of Alanah and Zayn, ensuring their tragic story serves as a powerful cautionary tale against impaired driving.

The case of Marshella Chidester stands as a stark reminder of the devastating, irreparable harm caused by the decision to drive while intoxicated. The 25-to-50-year sentence reflects the gravity of taking two young lives and severely injuring others at what should have been a joyous occasion.