Newly released jail calls and text messages are providing additional context to the case of Mackenzie Shirilla, a 21-year-old woman serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life for the deaths of Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19. The incident occurred on July 31, 2022, when prosecutors claimed Shirilla intentionally crashed her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, to end her relationship with Russo, who was a passenger at the time.
The Strongsville Police Department released the records, which have been reported by Fox 8, as Shirilla seeks a review of her case from the Ohio Supreme Court. The texts indicate Shirilla expressed concerns about blackouts prior to the crash, including a message from July 2, 2022, describing a severe blackout episode.
Shirilla's defense argues that medical evidence may support her claim of losing consciousness before the crash. However, some messages also reveal troubling aspects of her relationship with Russo, including statements indicating suicidal thoughts and violent intentions.
In March 2022, Russo allegedly reported that Shirilla had physically assaulted him. Additionally, Shirilla's father has been placed on administrative leave from his position at a Catholic school due to his involvement in a documentary about the case.
Shirilla's attorneys have filed a petition with the Ohio Supreme Court to reconsider her postconviction claims, arguing that her trial lawyers did not adequately investigate her medical condition, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which they believe could explain her actions during the crash. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley stated that he believes Shirilla is guilty of murder and is confident that any reviewing court will reach the same conclusion.