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Marshella Chidester will stand trial in fatal Swan Boat Club crash

Marshella Chidester is accused in a crash at a birthday party that killed two children in April.

MONROE, Mich. — UPDATE: Marshella Chidester was arraigned in Monroe County Circuit court on June 12. Her next hearing is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23.

The original story is below:

Marshella Chidester will stand trial for multiple charges in the Swan Boat Club crash that killed two children and injured 15 others in April, following a preliminary hearing Thursday. 

Chidester, 66, appeared in Monroe County District Court, where a judge determined she will stand trial for nine counts stemming from a crash into a boat club in Newport, Michigan, where a children's birthday party was being held. 

Chidester is accused of driving while intoxicated and crashing into the building around 3 p.m. The crash killed siblings Alanah Phillips, 8, and Zayn Phillips, 4, and injured 15 others - nine of whom needed to be hospitalized. 

EARLIER COVERAGE: Woman accused of killing 2 in birthday party crash makes latest court appearance; local business to hold fundraiser

Court testimony Thursday claimed Chidester's blood alcohol content level was 0.18% at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit in the state of Michigan. 

Chidester was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while impaired by liquor causing death, and five counts of operating while impaired causing serious injury. 

WATCH MORE: 'They were full of joy': Community gathers for candlelight vigil to remember siblings killed in Swan Boat Club crash

She made a first appearance in court in late April, then posted a $1.5 million bond, according to court documents. 

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