Drunk driver who mowed down two children says she would 'appreciate' forgiveness

A has brazenly said she would "appreciate" the forgiveness of a bereaved family after she killed two young children after plowing into them with her SUV.

Marshella Chidester, 67, had a blood-alcahol level more than twice the legal limit when she through the exterior of Swan Creed Boat Club in Newport, Michigan, in the US, on April 20, 2024, killing siblings Alanah and Zayn Philips. Her car made it 25 feet inside before hitting the eight and four year old, who were enjoying a birthday gathering at the time. Devastated mum Mariah Dodds told a hearing how Chidester had taken "everything in my life and destroyed it" as the alleged killer issued a feeble plea.

The reports that Ms Dodds told the hearing at Monroe County Courthouse that the grief she has felt since the incident "has been unbearable". Both Alanah and Zayn Philips were pronounced dead at the scene, with 13 others having sustained severe injuries.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Haunting CCTV was played in the court showing the blue SUV roaring at 44mph through the boat club parking lot and into the side of the building in Michigan's Berlin Township.

Chidester's legal team had claimed she only had a single glass of wine before getting behind the wheel, and that a leg injury had caused her to press down hard on the gas pedal. She was convicted of second-degree murder and on two counts of operating while intoxicated, causing death, and five counts of operating while intoxicated, causing serious injury in March.

Chidester told the court she had "asked the Lord to forgive me" before pleading for mercy, asking the court to "at least look into your heart", adding she would "appreciate" forgiveness.

She said: "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." Sheriff Troy Goodnough from Monroe County Sheriff's Office said in a statement following her conviction that the April 2024 incident "prfoundly impacted our peaceful community".

He added locals have "united to support the victims" and to "ensure Marsheslla Chidester is held accountable" before vowing to continue those affected by the incident.

The Sheriff said: "The tragic incident at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, Monroe County, Michigan, on April 20, 2024, profoundly impacted our peaceful community. From the moment this happened until today, our community has united to support the victims and ensure Marshella Chidester is held accountable for her actions.

"The victims and their families affected by this senseless act will forever be in our thoughts and prayers."