Ohio teenager Mackenzie Shirilla has been sentenced to two life sentences for the double murder of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan. Shirilla, of Strongsville, was found guilty on 12 counts, including murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, and drug possession. The incident occurred in July 2022 when Shirilla intentionally crashed her vehicle into a brick wall, killing Russo and Flanagan. She will be eligible for parole after 15 years, and her driver’s license has been suspended for life.
During the sentencing, prosecutors highlighted Shirilla’s lack of remorse, citing her request for a 10-year license suspension shortly after the crash. They also revealed that Shirilla and her mother were seeking employment with a modeling agency while she was hospitalized following the incident. Shirilla’s social media posts after the crash, including celebrating Halloween and attending a concert, were also mentioned.
Family members of the victims expressed their grief and anger during the hearing. Angelo Russo, Dominic’s brother, described Shirilla as selfish, while Christine Russo, Dominic’s mother, stated that she had lost three children in the crash. Jaime Flanagan, Davion’s mother, spoke about her son’s aspirations to attend barber school and open his own barbershop.
Shirilla’s defense attorney argued for a lesser charge of reckless homicide, claiming that the crash was a tragic accident. However, the judge handed down guilty verdicts on all 12 counts and sentenced Shirilla to two concurrent life sentences.
Judge Nancy Margaret Russo expressed disbelief at Shirilla’s concern for her driving privileges despite causing the deaths of two people. She referenced video evidence showing Shirilla driving at high speeds just before the crash, describing it as chilling and tragic.
The sentencing hearing concluded with Judge Russo’s decision to serve the life sentences concurrently.
