Mackenzie Shirilla’s dad says claim about victim’s family name could “get him in trouble”

The debate surrounding Netflix’s The Crash has expanded beyond the courtroom and onto podcasts, social media, and school district offices.

Now, for the first time since the documentary’s release, Steve Shirilla has publicly addressed the backlash surrounding both the film and his daughter’s conviction.

Speaking on the True Crime This Week podcast, Steve discussed how his daughter, Mackenzie Shirilla, reacted to the documentary, the criticism directed at his family, and why he believes the case against her was influenced by factors beyond the evidence presented in court.

Mackenzie is serving concurrent prison sentences of 15 years to life after being convicted in connection with a 2022 crash that killed Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan. Prosecutors argued she intentionally drove nearly 100 mph into a building. A judge later described the crash as a deliberate act and found her guilty on multiple felony charges.

During the interview, Steve said his daughter was largely satisfied with how she was portrayed in The Crash. One scene, however, stood out.

The documentary shows Mackenzie pausing during an interview and turning to her attorney, saying she did not want to “say too much” or “sound crazy.”

Steve argued viewers were given the wrong impression.

According to him, Mackenzie was simply checking whether she was expressing herself clearly, not following a script or rehearsed narrative. He said the moment was edited in a way that suggested otherwise and maintained that her interview was genuine.

The conversation became more contentious when Steve addressed the conviction itself.

Before making the remarks, he reportedly warned listeners that his comments could “get him in trouble.”

Steve then suggested that Dominic Russo’s family name carried influence within the community and played a role in the outcome of the case. He claimed Mackenzie would not be in prison if Dominic had not been one of the victims. He also apologized to the Flanagan family while making the statement.

No evidence has been publicly presented to support claims of collusion or favoritism. Court rulings have repeatedly upheld Mackenzie Shirilla’s conviction, and appeals challenging the verdict have been unsuccessful.

Steve also revisited allegations involving Dominic Russo and marijuana. Similar claims have been disputed by members of the Russo family, including Dominic’s sister, Christine Russo, who has publicly defended her brother and criticized ongoing accusations made against him after his death.

Away from the criminal case, Steve discussed the impact the documentary has had on his own career.

Following the release of The Crash, he was placed on leave from his teaching position. The documentary drew criticism online, including reactions to a shirt he wore during filming that featured the word “Boom.” Some viewers viewed the choice as insensitive because of the fatal crash.

Steve rejected that interpretation, explaining the shirt was merchandise connected to a content creator who supports Mackenzie’s innocence campaign. He said he believes the school district overreacted and indicated he is uncertain whether he will still have a job once his contract expires.

The renewed attention generated by Netflix’s documentary has brought the case back into public discussion nearly four years after the crash.

While Steve Shirilla continues to challenge the narrative that led to his daughter’s conviction, the families of Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan continue to maintain that the court reached the correct conclusion. The divide between those viewpoints remains at the center of the conversation surrounding one of Ohio’s most closely watched criminal cases.