January 1, Teen Intentionally Crashes Car, Killing Boyfriend and Friend

A teenager from Ohio, found guilty of intentionally crashing her car and causing the death of two individuals, was handed down a 15-year prison sentence this week.

#BREAKING | Mackenzie Shirilla, 19, is sentenced 15 years to LIFE in prison for intentionally driving into a wall at speeds more than 100mph, killing two people.#CourtTV Is this justice? pic.twitter.com/ZJ1pQTv1F3

— Court TV (@CourtTV) August 21, 2023

Mackenzie Shirilla, a 19-year-old, previously stood trial and was convicted for murder following the deliberate car crash that led to the demise of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, aged 20, and his companion, Davion Flanagan, who was 19.

The sentencing, which took place on Monday, was overseen by Judge Nancy Marget Russo.

As part of her sentence, Shirilla will be granted credit for the time she has already served. Additionally, her driving privileges have been indefinitely revoked.

Details emerging from the case indicate that the tragic incident unfolded on July 31, 2022.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured Shirilla accelerating her vehicle to a speed of 100mph before deliberately crashing into a wall—a location she had been observed driving by just days before.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that a fortnight prior to this fatal incident, in the aftermath of a disagreement, Shirilla had made threats to deliberately crash her car.

Prosecutors presented testimony that after a quarrel, when Dominic called upon a friend for a ride, they purportedly overheard Shirilla cautioning, “I will crash this car right now.”

Reports also indicate that the three individuals had consumed marijuana shortly before the accident.

During the sentencing proceedings, Judge Russo pointed out her decision not to impose consecutive sentences for the two fatalities.

However, she voiced skepticism about the possibility of Shirilla being eligible for parole at the end of the 15-year term.

Based on Shirilla’s conduct in prison and the ultimate judgment of the parole board, she highlighted the “very good likelihood” that Shirilla might face lifelong incarceration.

While Shirilla refrained from testifying during the trial, she took the opportunity during the hearing to express her remorse to the grieving families of Dominic and Davion, pleading for their forgiveness.

She stated, “I hope one day you can see I would never let this happen or do it on purpose. I wish I could remember what happened. I’m just so sorry. I’m heartbroken. I wish I could take all your pain away.”

This sentencing follows closely on the heels of her conviction during a bench trial that took place on August 14th, where she faced 12 charges, inclusive of murder.

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