The Crash has brought renewed attention to one of Ohio’s most shocking fatal crash cases. The documentary focuses on Mackenzie Shirilla, who was convicted after prosecutors argued she intentionally drove her car into a wall at nearly 100 mph, killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo and friend Davion Flanagan in 2022.
While the Netflix documentary covers many parts of the case, several disturbing details and courtroom revelations were left out or only briefly mentioned.
What Happened in the 2022 Crash?
On July 31, 2022, then-17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla was driving Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19, home after a night out.
Authorities said Shirilla accelerated to roughly 100 mph before crashing into a brick building around 5 a.m.
Dominic and Davion both died in the crash.
Investigators later concluded the crash was intentional after data reportedly showed:
- The accelerator pedal was fully pressed down
- No signs of braking before impact
- High speed maintained until collision
Shirilla was later convicted and sentenced to two concurrent terms of 15 years to life in prison.
Mackenzie Allegedly Asked Her Mom to Mention a Seizure
One major detail not fully explored in the documentary involved an audio recording captured while Mackenzie was in the hospital.
According to prosecutors, Mackenzie and her mother, Natalie Shirilla, allegedly spoke in a coded language similar to Pig Latin while police were nearby.
Investigators later claimed Mackenzie said:
“Can we tell the police I had a seizure?”
Prosecutors argued the statement damaged the defense claim that she suffered a medical emergency before the crash.
Defense attorneys later argued Mackenzie may have blacked out because of a medical condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, commonly called POTS.
However, court testimony reportedly stated first responders found no clear evidence of a seizure or stroke when examining her after the crash.
Some Former Friends Believed the Crash Was Intentional
The documentary included several classmates who defended Mackenzie and believed the crash was not deliberate.
However, other former friends publicly disagreed.
In another true crime program, former classmates described Mackenzie as someone deeply focused on popularity and attention.
One former friend claimed:
“Mackenzie gets what she wants.”
Another alleged Mackenzie treated people poorly and needed serious mental health help before the tragedy occurred.
These opinions created further division among people who knew the victims and the defendant.
Davion Flanagan’s Story Was Less Featured
Many viewers noted that the documentary focused heavily on Mackenzie and her relationship with Dominic Russo.
However, Davion Flanagan’s personal story received much less attention.
Davion was known as a talented football player who later planned to attend barber school after sports injuries changed his career goals.
His parents later launched a scholarship fundraiser in his memory to help low-income students pursue barber education.
As of May 2026, the fund reportedly raised more than $82,000.
Dominic’s Sister Accused Mackenzie’s Mom of Lying
Another major allegation came from Dominic Russo’s sister, Christine Russo.
She publicly claimed Mackenzie’s mother falsely told the Russo family that Mackenzie remained unconscious in the hospital for several days after the crash.
Christine later suggested the delay gave the family time to shape a defense narrative.
According to reports, there is no public record showing Mackenzie stayed unconscious for three days.
The allegations have never been proven in court, and Mackenzie’s legal team reportedly did not publicly respond to those specific claims.
Mackenzie Allegedly Said the Crash Was Her Fault
Court documents reportedly showed that Mackenzie expressed guilt while hospitalized after learning Dominic and Davion had died.
According to medical notes referenced during proceedings, she allegedly said:
“It was her fault for killing her boyfriend.”
Prosecutors also presented text messages she allegedly sent to Dominic’s brother after the crash.
In one message, Mackenzie reportedly wrote:
“This should have never happened.”
Those statements became important pieces of evidence during the trial.
Dominic Russo’s Gravesite Was Allegedly Burned
Nearly one year after the deadly crash, Dominic Russo’s family revealed another heartbreaking incident.
According to his sister, someone allegedly set fire to items placed at Dominic’s gravesite.
Family members said sentimental belongings, letters, funeral flowers, and memorial decorations were destroyed.
The family later raised funds online to restore the gravesite and create a new memorial space in Dominic’s honor.
Case Continues to Divide Public Opinion
Even after the conviction, the case continues to spark intense debate online and across social media.
Some people believe Mackenzie intentionally caused the crash because of evidence presented during trial.
Others continue questioning whether a medical episode or mental health issues may have contributed to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the families of Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan continue honoring the lives lost in the crash.
