MONROE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Marshella Chidester being free on bond will never sit well with loved ones of the two children killed when her vehicle crashed into the Swan Boat Club during a birthday party.
FULL ARRAIGNMENT: Driver arraigned in Swan Boat Club crash that killed 2 kids, injured others
"Me and my family still can't believe this tragedy," said Nicholas Phillips, uncle to 4-year-old Zayn Phillips and 8-year-old Alanah Phillips. "We, honestly, still can't believe that she's free."
The children's older brother, Jayden "JP" Phillips, and their mother, Mariah Dodds, survived their physical injuries.
Chidester is facing multiple charges including second-degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death. Prosecutors said she has a habit of being intoxicated and was drunk behind the wheel when she crashed into the boat club.
Chidester's defense attorney said she wasn't drunk and blames the deadly crash on a medical problem that he said caused a seizure.
7 News Detroit has obtained a new image showing Chidester being helped out of her vehicle moments after the crash as well as new video showing her vehicle speeding past a playground at the boat club.
A lawsuit that was filed days after the crash on April 20 was amended Tuesday to add additional survivors to the lawsuit that originally listed Mariah Dodds as a plaintiff.
240425 Amended Complaint by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
The lawsuit has also been amended to include the Swan Boat Club as a defendant.
"Defendant Swan Boat Club negligently constructed and maintained its building where the crash occurred," wrote attorney Michael L. Jones of Marko Law.
The boat club was in the roadway without "a guard rail, cement pole or other safety devices," Jones alleges.
Watch the families speak publicly last week below:
Survivors of the crash as well as loved ones of the children killed could speak at a press conference Wednesday, according to attorney Jon Marko.
Chidester is scheduled to appear in court on June 27 and June 28 for her preliminary examination.
