Woman who crashed SUV into birthday party at boat club, killing kids, is released is $1.5 million bond

NEWPORT (WWJ) -- The woman who crashed her SUV into the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County last weekend, killing two children, is now free on bond.

Marshella Chidester's attorney told the Detroit Free Press the 66-year-old was released Thursday after posting her $1.5 million bond, with help from a surety company.

Chidester is accused of driving drunk when she crashed into the boat club, where a child's birthday party was being held. She is charged with two counts of second degree murder , two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing serious injuries

Footage from doorbell cameras show an SUV speeding before it crashes into the club. Two children, a brother and sister, ages 4 and 8, were killed. Their older brother and their mother were critically injured and remain hospitalized.

In total, officials said nine people were treated at hospitals, and others suffered minor injuries.

Family members of the children killed have already raised more than $225,000 through a GoFundMe page .

The family has also filed a lawsuit against Chidester and the bar where she was allegedly drinking prior to the crash, alleging gross negligence.

Chidester's defense attorney contends she only had one glass of wine, wasn't drunk, and crashed because she suffered a seizure behind the wheel.

Chidester faces up to life in prison if she is convicted on the murder charge.