MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — Marshella Chidester, the woman accused in the boat club crash that killed two children and injured others, has posted bond and been released from jail, the Monroe County Jail said Thursday.
Chidester's bond was set at $1.5 million during an arraignment hearing at the Monroe County District Court Tuesday. Since posting bond, Chidester will be monitored by GPS and must not consume any alcohol. WTOL 11 is working to confirm how much of the bond Chidester paid.
Chidester is accused of driving while intoxicated and crashing her SUV into the Swan Boat Club Saturday during a children's birthday party. The crash killed two children, 4-year-old Zayn Phillips and 8-year-old Alanah Phillips, who are siblings. Several others, including the children's mother and older brother, were seriously injured in the crash.
The defense has argued Chidester suffers from a medical condition that caused paralysis in her legs, which they claimed caused the crash. Prosecutors claimed Chidester's blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit at the time of the incident.
Since the crash, the victims' family has announced their intent to file suit against both Chidester and Verna's Tavern, the place at which they claimed Chidester consumed alcohol prior to the crash.
RELATED: Family of children killed in Swan Boat Club crash to file suit against accused driver, tavern
Chidester has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating while impaired by liquor causing death, and four counts of operating while impaired causing serious injury.
If convicted, Chidester could face up to two life sentences, two 15-year sentences and four five-year sentences.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify information regarding Chidester's bond.
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