Midwest
Michigan woman to stand trial in crash that killed young brother and sister at birthday party
A Michigan woman has been ordered to stand trial in a crash that killed two siblings and injured several other people who were at a boat club to celebrate a child’s birthday.
Marshella Chidester, 66, was bound over Thursday to Monroe County Circuit Court on two counts of second-degree murder and other charges in the April 20 crash at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Detroit.
MICHIGAN WOMAN FOUND LIVING INSIDE GROCERY STORE SIGN WITH COMPUTER, DESK AND COFFEE MAKER
Authorities have said Chidester was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. A deputy testified Thursday during Chidester’s preliminary examination in Monroe County District Court that a blood test at a hospital after the crash revealed her blood alcohol content was 0.18. The legal limit in Michigan for operating a vehicle is 0.08.
This booking photo provided by the Monroe County, Mich., Sheriffs Office shows Marshella Chidester. The Michigan woman has been ordered to stand trial, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in a crash that killed two siblings and injured several other people who were at a boat club to celebrate a child’s birthday. (Monroe County Sheriffs Office via AP)
Deputies said Chidester told them she was headed to a birthday party at the boat club. She told one deputy that she had “passed out” while driving.
Surveillance video played Thursday showed a SUV barreling along an unpaved road leading to the boat club, then crashing into the building. After authorities arrived, police bodycam video showed the SUV stopped against a counter or wall as several injured people were being treated by first responders.
Monroe County sheriff’s deputy Steven Schmidt testified that the scene was chaotic. “There were injured people everywhere,” he said, adding that a small child who appeared not to be breathing was on the ground.
Killed were 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips. Their mother, Mariah Dodds, and another sibling were among the injured.
Dodds testified that the party was for the 3-year-old child of a friend.
Defense attorney Bill Colovos argued against the second-degree murder charges, saying there was no testimony that Chidester operated her vehicle with intent to cause the deaths.
He said during Chidester’s arraignment in April that she only had a glass of wine and a bowl of chili four hours before the crash, and that she has suffered since November with “epileptic-type seizures in her legs.”
Prosecutor Jeff Yorkey argued at Chidester’s arraignment that she has had substance abuse issues that were corroborated by her friends and family. Yorkey also said there was no indication that Chidester suffered a seizure before the crash.
Home surveillance video recorded just prior to the crash and played in court Thursday showed Chidester holding a railing and going step-by-step from her porch, then walking slowly to her SUV, which was parked next to a garage. As she backed out from the driveway, the SUV sped in reverse around the opposite side of the garage and slammed into a neighbor’s parked vehicle. The SUV then accelerated forward, past the garage, driveway and down the road.
Detective Sgt. Jeff Hooper testified that Chidester’s home is about 500 feet from the boat club near Lake Erie.
Chidester’s circuit court arraignment is scheduled for July 12.
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Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee fatal shooting early Saturday, 18-year-old killed
Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)
MILWAUKEE – One person was killed in a shooting in Milwaukee early Saturday morning, May 2.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, just after 1 a.m., an 18-year-old was shot in the area of 62nd and Arthur (near the border between Milwaukee and West Allis).
The shooting victim died from their injuries.
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MPD tips
What you can do:
Milwaukee police are looking for those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department sent FOX6 the information.
Minneapolis, MN
4 injured in shooting at south Minneapolis park, officials say
Police in Minneapolis are investigating after city officials said four people were injured in a shooting at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Friday night.
According to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, officers responded to a report from an individual of a suspicious person around 8:38 p.m. The caller said there was a large gathering of young adults in the parking lot of the park, which is located at 4055 Nicollet Ave.
According to city officials, multiple gunshots were fired before the officers arrived at the park.
A 19-year-old woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance with serious injuries, city officials said. Three other people, whose ages have yet to be disclosed, self-transported to the hospital with gunshot-related injuries
No suspects in the shooting have been arrested, officials said.
Park police are working with the Minneapolis Police Department to investigate the incident.
This is a developing story.
Indianapolis, IN
Runners are revving their engines for chilly 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The month of May begins with “the greatest spectacle in running.”
Runners from all over gear up for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, with the first race starting at 7:35 a.m. Saturday.
At the Indiana Convention Center on Friday, participants were prepping. They picked out shoes and running gear, and checked out the course map. Organizers estimated over 20,000 runners for the big race day. There’s the 5K run and, of course, the half-marathon that runs through Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This year marks the 50th annual Mini-Marathon. Organizer Linday Labas of the 500 Festival said, “We have five Indy alumni who have done this race all 50 years, so they just keep coming back. They like the other part of the month of May, celebrating and tackling it. I know it looks different now than it was 50 years ago, but they keep coming back, because they love the celebration around Indy Mini.”
Cecilio Martinez has marathon tattoos for all the times he’s run. He ran the Chicago, Berlin, Honolulu and New York City marathons. But, he only has one half-marathon inked on his calf, and that’s Indy’s Mini-Marathon with the 50th anniversary medal. He said this isn’t the first time he’s run the Indy Mini. “I like the course. I like the people. I love Indy Mini.”
Runner Karina McDougle said, “Unlike 2025, the race is going to be chilly with temperatures as low as 39 degrees. “Honestly, because I’ve been running in so much cold weather, I’m pretty used to that, and I would prefer that. I do overheat a lot. It’s great for me, I’m looking for a cool day.”
There are also lots of first-timers running the half-marathon, including Wabash Middle-High School wrestler James Day. “We’re just excited about the experience. They actually talked me into it. I didn’t want to do it originally. I ran one day this week. We’ll see how this goes. I just came back from a wrestling season, though, so I should be in a decent shape.”
At the end of the 13.1 miles, runners will receive a golden medal to mark their accomplishment.
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