Monroe, MI – The Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery A. Yorkey has announced that Marshella Marie Chidester has been charged in connection with alleged criminal activity that occurred on the afternoon of April 20th at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township.
The 66-year-old from Newport, Michigan has been charged in the death of an 8 year old girl, her 4 year old brother and the serious injuries to their mother and 11 year old brother. Additional charges involve the serious injuries to a 14 year old male and an 18 year old female. Yorkey said that these charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Childester has been charged in an eight-count Complaint as follows:
Two Counts of Homicide-Murder-Second Degree
Two Counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death
Four Counts of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury
The Second Degree Murder charges carry a maximum of life imprisonment. Counts 3 and 4 each carry a maximum 15 Years imprisonment and/or $2500.00 – $10,000 and the remaining counts carry maximum sentences of up to 5 Years and/or $1,000 – $5,000.
Childester was arraigned this morning before District Court Judge Christian Horkey. Judge Horkey set bond at $1,500,000 cash or surety with conditions which included GPS and alcohol tether in the event she is able to post bond. The case was assigned to District Court Judge Michael Brown. Childester’s next court appearance is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on April 30th at 9:00 a.m. and a Preliminary Examination on May 6th at 1:30 p.m.
The case is being investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
Sign up for WLEN’s weekday newsletter: 
Follow WLEN on social media: 
#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews
*media courtesy of the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office*