Who is Mackenzie Shirilla’s mother Natalie? We discuss the mother of the girl who crashed her car to murder her boyfriend and his friend. This article contains details some readers may find disturbing.
In the early hours of July 31, 2022, Mackenzie Shirilla shocked the city of Strongsville in Ohio when the teenage girl purposefully drove her car into a brick wall at speeds of over 100mph, killing both her boyfriend and his friend in the ensuing crash. Mackenzie survived.
This crash made many headlines. What made the event more disturbing is that at an unknown point, Mackenzie posted a TikTok video where she claimed that she was able to do many drugs without dying.
During her trial, her mother, Natalie Shirilla, attempted to defend her daughter, but she was unsuccessful.
What happened to Mackenzie Shirilla?
Mackenzie Shirilla, nicknamed “hell on wheels,” was found guilty of killing both her boyfriend Dominic Russo, 20, and his friend Davion Flanagan, 19, by driving her car, a Toyota Camry, over 100mph straight into a brick wall. Both Dominic and Davion were pronounced dead at the scene. Mackenzie managed to survive the crash.
This happened in the early hours of July 31, 2022, when Mackenzie was just 17. Before the deaths occurred, the trio had been smoking marijuana, and Mackenzie allegedly had enough THC, the main psychoactive compound found in the drug, in her system to put her over the legal limit in Ohio.
The police testified to say that hallucinogenic mushrooms and a scale were found at the scene of the crash.
According to Dominic’s friends, the relationship between Mackenzie and Dominic was toxic. They testified in court that they had seen the pair fight in the past and that Mackenzie had also threatened to harm Dominic.
A disturbing video was obtained by The Daily Mail from Mackenzie’s TikTok account, where Mackenzie bragged about doing a lot of drugs without dying.
“I’m not even cool, I’m just one of those girls that can do a lot of drugs and not die,” says Shirilla in the video. It’s unclear if this was filmed before or after the fateful crash. Shirilla’s TikTok account has now been set to private.
Who is Mackenzie Shirilla’s mother Natalie?
Natalie is the mother other Mackenzie Shirilla, and during her daughter’s trial, she attempted to defend Mackenzie. After Mackenzie was found guilty, Natalie maintained that the incident was an accident.
Even after what has happened, it’s clear Natalie still loves her daughter.
What did Mackenzie Shirilla’s mother Natalie tell the court?
Her mother, Natalie Shirilla, testified in defense of her daughter during Mackenzie’s trial. She confirmed that Mackenzie had been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a disorder that can cause a person to pass out if their sodium and hydration levels are too low. Shirillia attempted to convince the court that this had played a part in the crash. However, this was unsuccessful.
At Mackenzie’s sentencing, Natalie Shirilla pleaded with Judge Nancy Margret Russo (no relation to Dominic) to go easy on her daughter. “I’m asking you for leniency because this was a tragic accident that she does not remember,” she said. She held her hands in the prayer position while speaking.
“I’m broken, sad, and lost and my heart hurts for everyone. Davion was her new friend and Dom was the love of her life and he was part of our family.” Natalie added. Mackenzie was seen sobbing in the background as her mother spoke.
When she addressed Judge Nancy, Natalie said, “This was a terrible, tragic, nightmare accident,” adding that her daughter had “no memory of the accident.”
Natalie said that Mackenzie “will never emotionally or physically recover from it. She almost died too.” When Natalie spoke of Dominic, she said, “We loved him so much.”
What sentence was given to Mackenzie Shirilla?
The judge imposed a life sentence on Mackenzie Shirilla, with the opportunity for parole in 15 years. However, Judge Nancy said, “I understand that the pain in this room wants me to impose the harshest sentence, but I don’t believe that would be the appropriate sentence, because I do believe that Mackenzie won’t be out in 15 years.”
