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

Marshella Chidester's next court date is now scheduled for June. Meanwhile, a BBQ fundraiser is raising money for the family of the children killed in the crash.

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. — Marshella Chidester, the Michigan woman potentially facing two life sentences for crashing her car into the Swan Boat Club, killing 4-year-old Zayn Phillips and 8-year-old Alanah Phillips, made her second appearance in Monroe County District Court Tuesday.

But unlike her arraignment, which featured a host of interruptions and even surprise witness testimony, this time was smooth and brief, lasting no more than five minutes. Chidester and her attorney, Bill Colovos, made their appearance this time over Zoom. 

Chidester is currently out on bail, however, she is required to wear an ankle monitor to have no alcohol.

In Court, Colovos made clear that he intends to have at least two witnesses but because he's still deep in the building phase of his case, he told the judge he would require an extension before the next meeting.

"Your honor, we had a chance to talk to them yesterday afternoon. I talked to Mr. Yorkey, because of the voluminous discovery involved, because my client is out on bond, we ask that we have it 30 days out," said Colovos.

The judge set Chidester's next court date for June 27 and June 28 and court was adjourned, no more than five minutes after it started.

But outside the courtroom, the community is taking no breaks in their efforts to help the victims. At least seven fundraisers have already happened or are in the works.

On Monday, The local Dairy Queen in Monroe donated 20% of all proceeds to the families affected in the crash and managed to raise $500.

In nearby Rockwood, BBQ-joint Huron River Inn is throwing a fundraiser Tuesday evening.

"The Flat Rock little league reached out to us, they're family with Mariah (Zayn and Alanah's mother) and the babies that were lost," Treacey Mayo, the owner of Huron River Inn said. "So they came to us and asked us if we could help them."

The restaurant is going to throw an all-you-can-eat fundraiser with raffles and will donate 100% of the proceeds directly to the family of Zayn and Alanah.

While they don't know exactly how many people will be there, Mayo said the outpouring of support from the community gives them hope they're in for a good night.

"We've already received tons of donations, money donations and gift baskets for the raffles," Mayo said. "So it's turning out to be bigger than we expected."

Mayo said the event will go on until 9 p.m. or until they run out of food.

Meanwhile, with Chidester back at home, WTOL 11 tried knocking on her door for comment, but no one answered the door.

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