The case of Mackenzie Shirilla has returned to the spotlight following the release of a Netflix documentary and a new appeal that claims a medical condition may have played a role in the deadly 2022 crash that killed two young men.
Mackenzie Shirilla’s Text Messages About Blackouts Revealed
Newly released text messages show that Mackenzie Shirilla complained about experiencing blackouts before the crash that killed her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan.
According to messages obtained from police records, Shirilla told Russo in 2020 that she had experienced a serious blackout. In another message sent on July 2, 2022, just weeks before the crash, she reportedly described another episode as one of the worst she had experienced.
These messages have become a key point in ongoing discussions surrounding her conviction and appeal.
Deadly Ohio Crash Killed Two Young Men
On July 31, 2022, Shirilla, then 17 years old, was driving a Toyota Camry in Strongsville, Ohio, when the vehicle crashed into a brick building at nearly 100 mph.
The crash killed:
- Dominic Russo, 20
- Davion Flanagan, 19
Both young men died from injuries sustained in the collision.
The case quickly gained national attention due to the extreme speed involved and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Prosecutors Argued Crash Was Intentional
During Shirilla’s 2023 murder trial, prosecutors argued that the crash was a deliberate act.
Investigators presented several pieces of evidence, including:
| Evidence Presented | Details |
|---|---|
| Surveillance Video | Showed the vehicle speeding toward the building |
| Event Data Recorder (Black Box) | Recorded vehicle activity before impact |
| Speed Data | Vehicle travelling close to 100 mph |
| Brake Analysis | No braking detected before collision |
| Accelerator Data | Accelerator fully pressed before impact |
According to prosecutors, the vehicle’s data showed the accelerator remained fully engaged during the final seconds before the crash, with no attempt to brake.
Convicted of Double Murder
Following the trial, Shirilla was found guilty of two counts of murder.
She received two concurrent prison sentences of 15 years to life.
Under her current sentence, she could become eligible for parole in 2037.
The conviction remains one of the most closely followed criminal cases in Ohio in recent years.
Defence Maintains Medical Emergency Caused Crash
Since her conviction, Shirilla, her family and her legal team have consistently argued that a medical issue may have caused her to lose consciousness while driving.
According to her attorneys, the blackout episodes described in the text messages support the possibility that she suffered from a pre-existing medical condition.
However, prosecutors have noted that no medical evidence supporting this claim was introduced during the original trial.
Netflix Documentary Renews Interest in Case
Public attention surrounding the case increased again after the release of Netflix’s documentary The Crash on May 15, 2026.
In the documentary, Shirilla gave her first public interview since her conviction.
She stated that she has no memory of the morning of the crash and denied intentionally causing the deaths of Russo and Flanagan.
Shirilla also expressed remorse for the victims and their families, saying she would continue trying to prove that the crash was not intentional.
Appeal Filed with Ohio Supreme Court
On April 27, 2026, Shirilla’s attorneys filed an appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court.
The appeal argues that there is medical evidence suggesting she may have suffered from a condition capable of causing blackouts while driving.
The filing also claims her previous legal team failed to properly investigate the medical aspect of the case or seek expert testimony that could have supported her defence.
What Happens Next?
The Ohio Supreme Court has not yet announced whether it will hear the appeal.
If the court agrees to review the case, judges will consider whether the new claims and evidence justify further legal proceedings.
For now, Shirilla remains incarcerated while her legal team continues to challenge her conviction. The case remains highly debated, with prosecutors maintaining the crash was intentional and the defence arguing that a medical emergency may have been responsible for the tragic events that claimed two lives.
