Mackenzie Shirilla, now 21, whose vehicular homicide case was featured in Netflix's "The Crash," is seeking public support after her latest legal setback. Her post-conviction relief was denied due to a filing deadline technicality, according to a Monday Instagram post from her support team.
Background of the Case
On July 31, 2022, Shirilla, then 17, was driving a Toyota Camry in Strongsville, Ohio, with her boyfriend Dominic Russo, 20, and his friend Davion Flanagan, 19. Prosecutors said she accelerated to 100 mph, drove through a business sign, and crashed into a brick building, killing both passengers. An investigation found she pressed the accelerator fully and never braked; the car had no defects. Psilocybin mushrooms were found on Shirilla.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Shirilla's lawyers argued she suffered from POTS, a blood pressure disorder causing momentary blackouts. In 2023, she was found guilty of four counts of murder, two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, and one count of drug possession, and sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years.
Appeal and Technicality
On Monday, Shirilla's legal team filed a motion for reconsideration to the Ohio Supreme Court, which had already declined the case. According to her supporters, her "appellate lawyer missed a deadline by filing it one day late due to a leap year, which also makes HIM ineffective assistance of [counsel]." The post states, "Her post conviction relief was denied due to a deadline technicality. The decision has nothing to do with the contents of it, it was unable to even be reviewed."
Call for Support
Shirilla's supporters are urging public action: "Keep sharing everything you can and Please sign and share this petition for a fair re-trial. We ALL deserve fair representation and once you review her case you'll agree she did not get that."
