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- Texts reveal health fears and rising tension
- Signs of a dangerous breakup and threats in messages
- Shirilla’s medical defense: POTS and blackout claims
- Crash scene and forensic findings in Strongsville, Ohio
- Toxicology and social media evidence
- Criminal trial, conviction, and sentencing
- Documentary attention: Netflix’s The Crash and public reaction
- Where Shirilla is now and parole eligibility
Newly surfaced text messages suggest Mackenzie Shirilla warned she was suffering recurring blackouts weeks before the July 2022 crash that killed her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan. The messages add a fresh layer to a case that has drawn national attention and renewed debate after the Netflix documentary The Crash.
Texts reveal health fears and rising tension
In messages obtained by media outlets, 21-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla told Russo she had been losing consciousness and feared the problem would worsen. The exchange, dated weeks before the crash, shows both concern and friction between the pair.
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- Shirilla reported episodes of blacking out and asked for help understanding the cause.
- Russo suggested a vitamin deficiency might be affecting blood flow to her brain.
- Their back-and-forth included a heated warning from Shirilla about how she felt treated.
Signs of a dangerous breakup and threats in messages
Other texts and phone videos released during the investigation reveal a rocky relationship. Russo wrote about stepping back, citing threats and emotional strain.
- He told Shirilla he thought breaking up might be best for both of them.
- Family and phone footage show at least one incident where Shirilla allegedly banged on Russo’s door.
- Messages on his phone allegedly include name-calling and threats to damage his property.
Shirilla’s medical defense: POTS and blackout claims
At trial, Shirilla’s attorneys argued she suffered a blackout caused by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, known as POTS. This condition can trigger a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting.
What is POTS?
- POTS affects the autonomic nervous system.
- Symptoms often include lightheadedness, fatigue, and a racing pulse when standing.
- Advocates say episodes can lead to sudden loss of consciousness.
Crash scene and forensic findings in Strongsville, Ohio
Investigators reconstructed the early-morning crash on July 31, 2022. They say Shirilla’s Toyota Camry struck a brick building at a high rate of speed.
- Police estimated the car was traveling about 100 mph before impact.
- Forensic evidence found no sign that the driver applied the brakes.
- Both passengers, Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19, were unbuckled and died at the scene.
- Shirilla survived with critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
Toxicology and social media evidence
Post-crash testing and digital traces played a role in the prosecution’s case. Authorities reported marijuana in Shirilla’s system. Tests for alcohol and certain other substances were negative.
- Investigators recovered mushrooms from the vehicle, but blood tests did not show psilocybin.
- Shirilla’s social posts and messages were used to establish behavior patterns before the crash.
- One of her last Instagram tributes to Russo expressed deep grief and a sense of loss.
Criminal trial, conviction, and sentencing
Shirilla was tried as an adult despite being 17 at the time of the wreck. A jury found her guilty on multiple counts, including murder and vehicular homicide.
- Convictions included murder and related charges tied to the deaths of Russo and Flanagan.
- In August 2023 she received concurrent sentences of 15 years to life.
- The judge’s courtroom remarks and media coverage amplified public scrutiny of her conduct.
Documentary attention: Netflix’s The Crash and public reaction
The Netflix documentary The Crash revisited the relationship, digital messages, and Shirilla’s behavior in the months before the collision. The film renewed interest in the case and prompted discussion about teen relationships, substance use, and legal responsibility.
Where Shirilla is now and parole eligibility
Shirilla is imprisoned at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. Under her sentences, she will be eligible to apply for parole in October 2037.
