A 2022 car crash in Strongville, Ohio, killed Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19. Mackenzie Shirilla, then 17, survived but was seriously injured. While initially thought to be an accident, investigators later questioned the circumstances of the crash.
Details of the Crash
The crash occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on July 31, 2022, when Mackenzie’s 2018 Toyota Camry slammed into a brick wall while returning from a friend’s house. Dominic and Davion died almost instantly, and Mackenzie was hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Relationship Background
Mackenzie and Dominic had been dating since high school, and she moved in with him after graduation while still 17. Their relationship was reportedly volatile, with trust issues and arguments. Friends and family described the pair as inseparable but noted past incidents of cheating and frequent break-up threats.
Threats and Warning Signs
Authorities revealed that Mackenzie had allegedly threatened Dominic’s life in the weeks leading up to the crash. Two weeks prior, Dominic told his mother that Mackenzie had been driving dangerously and erratically.
He feared for his safety, prompting a friend to pick him up. Witnesses reported Mackenzie threatening to crash the car and acting aggressively toward Dominic.
Mackenzie claimed Dominic tried to grab the steering wheel to harm her, and shared text messages with her mother showing she feared he was trying to “spin out” the vehicle.
Investigation and Netflix Coverage
The case is featured in the Netflix documentary The Crash, which premiered on May 15, exploring the events leading up to the fatal crash and the tensions in Mackenzie and Dominic’s relationship.
