Drunk Driver, 67, Who Crashed SUV into Children’s Party, Killing 2 Siblings, Sentenced to 25 to 50 Years in Prison

A drunk driver has been sentenced after crashing her car and killing two children at a birthday party in Berlin Township, Mich.

67-year-old Marshella Chidester received a prison sentence of 25 to 50 years on Thursday, May 15 after being found guilty of second-degree murder, according to CBS News.

She was also found guilty of two counts of operating while intoxicated, causing death, and five counts of operating while intoxicated, causing serious injury in March.

Eight-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother Zayn Phillips died after Chidester drove her car into a child’s party at the private Swan Boat Club on April 20, 2024. ABC News reported that 15 people, including the mother of the siblings, also suffered from serious injuries.

Security footage captured Chidester driving her SUV at 44 mph before the crash.

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According to AP News, the alcohol level in Chidester’s blood was more than twice the legal limit to drive. The outlet reported that video evidence of her seemingly drinking wine in her home on the day of the tragic accident was played in court.

Chidester’s attorney Bill Colovos disputed the claim and said that she had a single glass of wine with food while visiting Verna’s Tavern.

“All the evidence shows the drink at Verna’s wasn’t her first, or last, drink of the day,” Ken Laurain, assistant prosecutor, said during the trial.

According to ABC News, Chidester’s lawyer also suggested that the accident was not caused by his client being drunk. Instead, he said that she might have hit the gas pedal too hard due to a leg problem.

The suggestion was not accepted by the jury.

Chidester will be eligible for parole in 25 years.

“I’ve asked the Lord to forgive me,” she said in court, “and I ask you to at least look into your heart and at some point if you can possibly forgive me, I would appreciate that so much.”

“The tragic incident at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, Monroe County, Michigan, on April 20, 2024, profoundly impacted our peaceful community,” Sheriff Troy Goodnough from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “From the moment this happened until today, our community has united to support the victims and ensure Marshella Chidester is held accountable for her actions. The victims and their families affected by this senseless act will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.”

PEOPLE has contacted the Monroe County Circuit Court for comment but did not hear back at the time of publication.