The driver accused of killing two young siblings in Newport’s Swan Boat Club tragedy will be back in Monroe’s district court on Thursday for a hearing that will decide whether the case against her will go to trial.
Marshella Chidester, 66, is accused of driving while intoxicated when police say she plowed an SUV through the wall of the boat club during a 3-year-old’s circus-themed birthday party on April 20, killing two young siblings and injuring about a dozen others. Chidester’s attorney, however, has said it was a medical issue, not alcohol, that caused the crash.
She was charged with eight crimes related to the crash, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death.
Chidester’s blood alcohol content the day of the crash will likely be revealed during Thursday’s hearing in Monroe’s 1st District Court that’s called preliminary examination, among other evidence from the prosecution.
The scene of the tragedy has been described as chaotic and horrific: A loud crash that could be heard several houses down the gravel road, then screams of children, parents, grandparents. Adults rushed to take toddlers to safety. Victims thought a bomb had went off. Debris scattered the floor, and food from the birthday party was strewn everywhere, including the ceiling.