Overview of Mackenzie Shirilla’s Imprisonment

Mackenzie Shirilla, the individual at the center of the 2026 Netflix documentary The Crash, has faced a turbulent period during her incarceration at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Shirilla is currently serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life following her 2023 conviction on 12 felony counts, including murder. Her conviction stemmed from a July 2022 high-speed collision in Strongsville, Ohio, that resulted in the deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan.


Unauthorized Items and Contraband Violations

Internal prison records indicate that Shirilla has been disciplined on several occasions for possessing prohibited materials. In September 2024, officials discovered a cache of contraband in her possession. The haul included unauthorized food items, such as nuts and marshmallows, as well as makeshift fashion accessories, including earrings fashioned from stolen charms and pens wrapped in wire. Additionally, officers found uninflated balloons, unidentified pills, and miniature play money. Shirilla pleaded guilty to the possession of altered or unauthorized items.

In a separate incident in January 2025, Shirilla was cited for holding a packet of unknown medication that she admitted did not belong to her. She was also found in possession of a personal photograph that depicted drug use, leading to a 30-day period of cell restriction.


Misconduct During Video Visitation

A significant portion of Shirilla’s disciplinary record involves the misuse of electronic communication privileges. In April 2025, she was found to have held over 100 video calls with an unapproved visitor—a former inmate who had been released. This breach of visitation protocols resulted in a one-month restriction on her access to electronics.

Furthermore, in September 2025, reports emerged regarding explicit content during her video calls. According to documentation, Shirilla was involved in sessions where inappropriate sexual acts were performed. Records allege that during one call, a visitor displayed a dildo and exposed herself, and Shirilla similarly exposed her breast. Following these findings, Shirilla pleaded guilty to the unauthorized use of electronic devices and violation of visitation rules, resulting in a 60-day ban on video calls.


Conflicts with Prison Staff and Other Incidents

Shirilla has also had several contentious interactions with correctional staff regarding prison dress codes and conduct. In April 2025, she clashed with guards over the state of her attire. During an inspection, Shirilla was noted to be wearing an unbuttoned shirt that left her undergarments exposed, leading to accusations of intentional exhibitionism and sexual harassment. While she was initially cited for disobedience, the infraction board later overturned the decision, citing insufficient evidence of intent.

Additionally, other behavioral issues have been documented, including:

  • Recreation restriction: In December 2024, she was prohibited from gym activities for 30 days after being observed dancing instead of participating in mandated exercise.
  • Sexual misconduct: In August 2025, she was found guilty of consensual sexual contact with another inmate after guards observed inappropriate physical interaction, resulting in a seven-day restriction.