MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – In a court session on March 6, 2025, evidence was presented showing Marshella Chidester, the woman accused of drunk driving and crashing into a birthday party, holding wine shortly before the incident. The trial, which involves the crash that occurred on April 20, 2024, is now in the jury’s hands.

During the proceedings, Deputy Hooper from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office testified about the findings from a search warrant executed at Chidester’s residence. Hooper revealed that a camera in Chidester’s kitchen had recorded her actions leading up to the crash. The footage showed her with a mini bottle of wine around 9:30 a.m. and throughout the day leading up to the accident, including her appearing to toss an empty bottle into the trash just prior to the crash.

Chidester claimed she consumed only one glass of wine at a local restaurant before driving. However, bodycam footage contradicted this, as it showed her stating she had a glass of wine "about a half hour ago." A restaurant employee confirmed her presence from 11 a.m. to noon, with the accident happening shortly after 3 p.m. Evidence presented in court indicated that her blood alcohol concentration post-accident was .18, which is over twice the legal limit in Michigan.