Newly released bodycam footage reveals Mackenzie Shirilla’s father, Steven Shirilla, criticizing police officers while insisting they refrain from questioning his daughter after her arrest. Mackenzie, now 21, is serving concurrent sentences of 15 years to life in prison for causing a crash that resulted in the deaths of Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19. Prosecutors stated she deliberately drove her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, on July 31, 2022.
Bodycam video shows Steven Shirilla at the Strongsville Police Department on November 4, 2022, demanding to speak to his daughter and asserting that legally, officers weren’t allowed to question her. He referred to Mackenzie as “a dumb 18-year-old” while arguing with officers about her ability to speak for herself.
The Netflix documentary “The Crash” has re-ignited interest in this case, offering new insights into the events following Shirilla’s arrest. Additional footage shows the wreck’s aftermath, where officers examined the destroyed vehicle involved in the fatal crash. Police records reveal officers responded early on July 31, 2022, after the Camry collided with the PLIDCO building in Strongsville. Mackenzie, then 17, was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, while Russo and Flanagan were confirmed deceased at the scene.
Data from Life360 indicated the car was traveling at 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, and the Event Data Recorder revealed the accelerator was fully pressed, without any braking, preceding the crash. Originally classified as accidental, a review prompted investigators to define the deaths as homicides, attributing intent to the crash.
Prosecutors argued that Shirilla’s actions were deliberate, as she intended to end her relationship with Russo, inadvertently involving Flanagan. The court found her guilty of four murder counts and other charges. Despite maintaining the crash was accidental, evidence and testimonies led the judge to conclude it was a planned act.
In the wake of Netflix’s “The Crash,” it has been reported that Steve Shirilla will not return to his teaching job at Mary Queen of Peace School. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland confirmed his departure, though it refrained from discussing personnel issues publicly.