Marshella Chidester (Newport Murderer)
Marshella Chidester is an American woman convicted in connection with a fatal vehicle incident in Michigan in 2024. The event occurred when she drove into a building during a private gathering, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The case gained national attention due to the circumstances of the incident and the loss of young lives. Chidester was later convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
Early Life
Marshella Marie Chidester is an American woman from Michigan. Publicly available information about her early life is limited.
Prior to the incident, she was known within her local community and had a background that included military service. She lived a largely private life before the event that brought her national attention.
Killing Spree
Marshella Chidester’s actions were confined to a single incident on April 20, 2024. Unlike serial or repeat offenders, this case involved one event with multiple victims.
The incident occurred when she drove a vehicle into a building during a private gathering, resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries. The nature of the event places it within the category of vehicular homicide rather than a traditional killing spree.
Modus Operandi
Chidester’s actions involved the use of a motor vehicle, with evidence presented in court indicating impairment at the time of the incident.
The event was not part of a patterned or repeated method of offending, but rather a single act resulting from impaired operation of a vehicle. The use of the vehicle as the means of harm is the defining factor in this case.
Capture
Marshella Chidester was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Law enforcement conducted an investigation, including toxicology testing and review of available evidence.
She remained in custody as charges were filed and the case proceeded through the legal system.
Trial & Sentence
Chidester was charged with multiple offences, including second-degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death.
She was convicted in March 2025.
Quotes
"I would never ever do anything intentional – never!"— Marshella Chidester
Media
📺 Documentaries / TV Series
Court TV - MI v. Marshella Chidester: Birthday Party Murder Trial
Extensive coverage of Chidester's 2025 trial for driving into the Swan Boat Club during a children's birthday party, killing siblings Alanah and Zayn Phillips and seriously injuring several others. Coverage included witness testimony, evidence concerning her alcohol consumption, closing arguments, verdict and sentencing.
🎥 Major Video Interviews
WXYZ 7 News Detroit - Marshella Chidester Breaks Her Silence
Chidester spoke publicly before trial about the fatal crash, her relationship with the Swan Boat Club and circumstances surrounding the incident.
WXYZ 7 News Detroit - Trial and Sentencing Coverage
Covered the prosecution evidence, Chidester's defense, the jury's guilty verdict and her eventual sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison.
Court TV - Trial Coverage
Presented courtroom testimony and evidence throughout the trial, including arguments over whether intoxication or a medical condition contributed to Chidester losing control of her vehicle.
🎙️ Podcasts
Court TV Podcast
Covered developments surrounding the Swan Boat Club case and Chidester's prosecution for the deaths of Alanah and Zayn Phillips.
📰 Written Media Coverage
The Marshella Chidester case received extensive media coverage from:
Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, WXYZ 7 News Detroit, CBS News Detroit, The Toledo Blade, Court TV, 13abc
Major themes included:
Marshella Chidester, Swan Boat Club crash, Alanah Phillips, Zayn Phillips, Newport Michigan, Berlin Township, children's birthday party, drunk driving, fatal vehicle crash, second-degree murder, blood alcohol evidence, medical-condition defense, Monroe County trial, guilty verdict, and 25-to-50-year prison sentence.
