Mackenzie Shirilla's Story: Life Sentence for Teen Who Deliberately Crashed Car at 100 mph, Killing Her Boyfriend


In 2022, Mackenzie Shirilla intentionally crashed her car in Strongsville, Ohio, killing two unsuspecting passengers in the process.

Shirilla, then 17, drove her car into a building at 100 mph, killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo, 20, and his friend Davion Flanagan, 19. 

This deliberate act resulted in her conviction on multiple charges, including murder. 

Initially, crime scene investigators and crash experts believed the crash was an innocent mistake.

However, as they dug deeper into the case, it became clear that this was no accident but a calculated act of violence.

Let's get into it


Dominic Russo and his friend Davion Flanagan


The Tumultuous Relationship Before The Fatal Crash

Mackenzie Shirilla and Dominic Russo began dating as teenagers, reportedly around their junior year of high school. 

At first, their relationship seemed like that of any typical young couple.

However, over time, their relationship became toxic with frequent arguments and dramatic breakups.

According to testimony from Dominic Russo's mother, their relationship was characterized by heated arguments, many of which escalated to threats from Shirilla. 

Dominic's brother, Angelo, also described the relationship as unstable, with the couple often breaking up and getting back together. 

One particularly disturbing incident occurred two weeks before the fatal crash, as reported by NBC News.

During an argument while driving, Shirilla reportedly threatened Dominic and the other passengers in the car, saying she would crash the vehicle. 

A friend who was present during the confrontation testified that Shirilla said, "I will crash this car right now," as tensions escalated. 

Additionally, sources close to the couple suggest that Shirilla’s behavior showed a strong desire for control and dominance within the relationship.

Friends who witnessed their interactions described Shirilla as being possessive and manipulative, often attempting to dictate Dominic’s actions and isolate him from others. 

This pattern of behavior highlighted a significant power imbalance in their relationship, which ultimately played a role in the tragic events that followed.

Mackenzie Shirilla's arrest


The Crime

On the morning of July 31, 2022, Mackenzie Shirilla was driving her 2018 Toyota Camry with her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend, Davion Flanagan, as passengers. 

The group had been out earlier that morning and were heading back toward Dominic's home in Strongsville, Ohio. 

After turning onto a lonely road, she accelerated to 100 mph and deliberately crashed into a commercial building.

Footage from surveillance cameras captured Shirilla's vehicle speeding down the road moments before the crash.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on a quiet, two-lane industrial road called Progress Drive.

The impact of the crash was catastrophic

Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan were pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt-force trauma. 

Emergency responders reported that the car was mangled beyond recognition, with significant damage to the front end from slamming into the building. 

Shirilla was found unconscious but alive in the driver's seat, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.



Criminal Investigation into The Crash

The local police department and Strongsville Emergency Services responded to the crash, initially treating it as an accident. 

However, the car’s event data recorder (EDR) — often called the black box — provided crucial insights into the crash.

It ultimately revealed that Shirilla Mackenzie’s actions were deliberate, according to official documents 

Data extracted from the car's Event Data Recorder (EDR) confirmed that she had pressed the accelerator to the floor for at least five seconds leading up to the crash. 

Also, there was no evidence of any attempt to brake, swerve, or avoid the collision. 

This data, combined with the surveillance footage, painted a clear picture of Shirilla’s intent to cause the crash.

Additionally, crash site investigators found no mechanical issues with the car that could have caused the collision, and weather conditions at the time were clear, ruling out environmental factors. 

As the investigation deepened, witnesses and family members came forward with accounts of Shirilla’s threatening behavior.

Further investigation into their relationship by detectives uncovered damning evidence on Dominic's cellphone, which contained audio recordings of arguments between the two. 

In these recordings, Shirilla could be heard berating and threatening Russo. 

Prosecutors revealed that she repeatedly degraded him during their fights, used emotionally manipulative language, and even damaged his property during confrontations. 

These recordings showed a relationship that was far from harmonious.

Due to the overwhelming evidence,  Mackenzie Shirilla was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including four counts of murder.

The crash site

Mackenzie Shirilla in court


Legal Proceedings 

Shirilla Mackenzie's trial commenced in August 2023, and prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence of Shirilla’s intent. 

Security footage of the crash was played in court, leaving a chilling impact on all present. 

Forensic experts testified about the car's mechanics, emphasizing that the crash was not due to mechanical failure. 

The defense attorney argued the crash was a tragic accident, but the evidence told another story.

On August 14, 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, and drug possession, among other charges. 

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo called her “literal hell on wheels” and described her actions as “methodical, deliberate, and purposeful.” 

In the end, Mackenzie Shirilla received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years, as reported by Global News.

“No sentence imposed will enable these families to heal from this senseless act," said Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley, a top-rated lawyer in Ohio.

Despite the conviction, Dominic Russo’s father expressed a desire for compassion, calling Shirilla “a kid who made a stupid mistake.”

Mackenzie Shirilla


Mackenzie Shirilla’s case serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of toxic relationships and unchecked aggression. 

Despite the toxicity of their relationship, Shirilla often maintained a façade of affection, particularly on social media. 

After Dominic’s death, she continued to post sentimental tributes to him, portraying their relationship in an idealized light. 

This stark contrast between public displays of love and private conflict underscored the complexity and dysfunction of their bond. 

While justice has been served for Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan, their families continue to mourn their loss.


Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.




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