Mackenzie Shirilla, the 19-year-old woman who was convicted of murder for deliberately causing a car collision resulting in the deaths of her boyfriend and his friend in July 2022, has been handed two concurrent life sentences for the double homicides. Judge Nancy Margaret Russo delivered the sentencing, ruling that Shirilla will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison for the dual life sentences. The families of the victims, 20-year-old Domonic Russo and 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, continue to grapple with the profound loss.
Christina Russo, Domonic’s mother, lamented, “Dom and Davion had their futures, hopes, and dreams cruelly stolen. Mackenzie displayed no mercy towards Dom or Davion. Only at this juncture can we entrust her soul to divine mercy.”
During the emotional impact statements provided by the victims’ families, many appealed to the judge for consecutive sentences and urged that Shirilla be sentenced to the maximum term of 30 years to life imprisonment. Judge Russo acknowledged the prevailing pain in the courtroom, stating, “I comprehend the anguish in this room that inclines towards the most severe sentence. Nevertheless, I am of the belief that the harshest sentence would not be fitting, as I remain convinced that Mackenzie will not be released within 15 years.
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Shirilla faced charges including four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and possession of criminal tools, as per court records. Last week, she was found guilty on all charges in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Russo emphasized, “Even if Mackenzie had intentions of perishing in the crash, it holds no relevance. An unsuccessful suicide attempt does not absolve the charge of murder.
During the sentencing phase, the prosecution presented arguments that Shirilla displayed no remorse and shared videos of her attending concerts and college parties following the tragedy. Shirilla’s mother revealed that she had encouraged her to attend these events, asserting, “She sought a moment of joy to alleviate her immense grief for losing her entire world. I implore leniency on the grounds that this was a tragic accident she does not recall.
19-year-old Davion Flanagan, and 20-year-old Domonic Russo—had to be extricated from the vehicle. While Shirilla was airlifted to MetroHealth in Cleveland for medical treatment, Flanagan and Russo were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Shirilla herself addressed the court, expressing remorse for the pain she caused. Additionally, the defense submitted letters of good behavior from her time in a juvenile corrections facility prior to the sentencing. “I am profoundly sorry,” Mackenzie Shirilla said. “I am shattered. I cherished Dom and Davion. We were all close friends, and Dom was my kindred spirit. I wish I could alleviate all your suffering, and I deeply apologize.”
The collision transpired on July 31, 2022, shortly after 6 a.m. near the intersection of Progress and Alameda drives. The occupants—Shirilla, 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, and 20-year-old Domonic Russo—had to be extricated from the vehicle. While Shirilla was airlifted to MetroHealth in Cleveland for medical treatment, Flanagan and Russo were pronounced deceased at the scene. Court records affirm that Shirilla “deliberately caused the deaths” of the two teenagers through the vehicle crash.
