drunk-driving · Swan Boat Club, Newport, Michigan

What happened after the 'Drunk Woman Has No Idea She Just Killed 2 Kids' clip?

What happened?

Marshella Chidester was convicted in March 2025 of two counts of second-degree murder and other charges, receiving a sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison in May 2025. She is currently appealing her conviction, and a civil lawsuit filed by the victims is ongoing.

Convicted or liable

Last checked: Jun 21, 2026
Sources: WTOL 11; FOX 2 Detroit; ClickOnDetroit; AfterTheClip Research

Timeline

  1. Marshella Chidester drove into the Swan Boat Club during a children's birthday party, killing Alanah Phillips (8) and Zayn Phillips (4), and injuring others. She was arrested the same day.

  2. Mariah Dodds, mother of the deceased children, filed a civil lawsuit against Marshella Chidester and Verna's Tavern.

  3. The civil lawsuit was amended to include seven additional injured victims as plaintiffs, and the Swan Boat Club and three insurance companies as defendants.

  4. Marshella Chidester was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and other charges related to the crash.

  5. Marshella Chidester was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison for the murder charges, with additional sentences for other convictions.

  6. An appeal process for Marshella Chidester's criminal conviction became active in the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Receipts