Video showed Monroe woman walking around home with wine in hours before crash that killed 2 kids

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. - Marshella Chidester was found guilty on all nine counts related to a tragic crash that killed two children at a birthday party on April 20, 2024. Video evidence from the courtroom revealed her behavior in the hours leading up to the incident, including images of her walking around her home with wine.

During the trial's fourth day, prosecutors called Deputy Hooper from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to testify. He recounted executing a search warrant at Chidester's home, where he discovered a kitchen camera that recorded footage of her activities on the day of the crash. This video provided crucial insights into her alcohol consumption leading up to the deadly event.

The footage showed Chidester engaging with several bottles of wine throughout the morning and early afternoon of April 20. Just before noon, she was recorded holding an empty bottle and later observed with a glass of wine only an hour prior to the crash. At approximately 2:10 p.m., she was seen refilling her glass, which raised concerns regarding her state before getting behind the wheel.

While Chidester initially claimed to authorities that she had consumed only one glass of wine at a local restaurant, discrepancies arose when bodycam footage revealed she had stated her last drink was "about a half hour ago." This was contradicted by testimony from a restaurant employee who confirmed she was present from 11 a.m. to noon, with the crash occurring after 3 p.m.

The trial concluded with investigators testifying that Chidester's blood alcohol concentration was .18 following the crash, more than double Michigan's legal limit. The evidence presented, including receipt records and video surveillance, led to her conviction and highlighted the devastating consequences of impaired driving.