A new Netflix documentary, The Crash, is bringing renewed attention to the 2022 Ohio crash case involving Mackenzie Shirilla, who was convicted after a high-speed collision killed her boyfriend and a friend.
Crash Killed Two Young Men
Authorities said Shirilla was 17 years old when she drove her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, on July 31, 2022.
Investigators said the vehicle was traveling more than 100 mph at the time of the crash.
The collision killed:
- Dominic Russo, 20
- Davion Flanagan, 19
Shirilla survived the crash.
Prosecutors Said Crash Was Intentional
During trial, prosecutors argued data recovered from the vehicle showed the accelerator was fully pressed seconds before impact, with no signs of braking or mechanical failure.
Authorities also said tests showed Shirilla had marijuana in her system, though she tested negative for alcohol.
Investigators pointed to social media videos they claimed showed reckless driving behavior before the crash.
Defense Claimed Medical Emergency
Shirilla and her family have consistently maintained the crash was accidental and possibly caused by a medical episode.
She later told investigators she could not remember what happened immediately before the collision.
Social Media Posts Became Part of Trial
Prosecutors also referenced TikTok videos and other social media posts made by Shirilla after the crash, arguing they reflected a lack of remorse.
Family members of the victims criticized some of the videos shown during court proceedings.
Supporters of Shirilla argued the posts were common social media trends among teenagers and were taken out of context.
Conviction and Sentence
Following a 2023 bench trial, Shirilla was convicted on multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Aggravated vehicular homicide
- Felonious assault
- Drug possession
She received two sentences of 15 years to life in prison.
Though her first appeal was denied, the documentary states her family continues fighting the conviction. Shirilla will become eligible for parole in 2037.
