The release of new bodycam footage has brought attention back to an Ohio murder case involving Mackenzie Shirilla. Her father, captured on video, called her “a dumb 18-year-old” while confronting police and insisting they refrain from questioning her after her arrest. This incident is highlighted in Netflix’s true-crime documentary “The Crash.”
Shirilla, now 21, is serving two concurrent 15-year-to-life sentences for the deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, 19. Prosecutors charged that she intentionally drove her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, on July 31, 2022.
Newly released video from Fox News Digital shows Shirilla’s father, Steven Shirilla, at the Strongsville Police Department on November 4, 2022, following his daughter’s arrest. He demanded to speak with her and emphasized that officers were “not allowed” to question her, citing legal representation.
“I need to speak to my daughter,” Steven Shirilla told officers. “You guys aren’t allowed to speak with her at all, that’s from the lawyer. He does not want you guys speaking to her.”
Steven Shirilla’s frustration was evident when he described Mackenzie as a “dumb 18-year-old that just turned 18.” Defending her, his wife, Natalie Shirilla, protested the characterization.
The bodycam video provides a look at the immediate aftermath of Mackenzie’s arrest. Additional footage revealed officers piecing together the crash scene where her Camry struck the PLIDCO building in Strongsville. Police records state that officers responded early on July 31, 2022, after the crash occurred.
Mackenzie was extracted from the driver’s seat and taken to MetroHealth Medical Center. Both Russo and Flanagan were pronounced dead at the scene after being extracted. Data showed Shirilla’s car was traveling 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, and the brakes were not applied, indicating an intentional act, according to investigators.
Initially classified as an accident, the deaths were reviewed and reclassified as a homicide based on the evidence. Prosecutors at her trial argued that Shirilla intended to end her harmful relationship with Russo, with Flanagan being an unintended victim. The case returned to public attention with Netflix’s portrayal.
“This was not reckless driving. This was murder. She had a mission, and she executed it with precision. The mission was death.” — Judge Nancy Margaret Russo
Shirilla continues to deny any intentional wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Fox 8 reported that Steven Shirilla would not be returning to his position at Mary Queen of Peace School. Both the school and the Diocese declined to discuss personnel matters publicly, citing privacy issues.