Released Texts Reveal Turmoil Between Mackenzie Shirilla and Dominic Russo Before Fatal Crash

Newly released text messages between Mackenzie Shirilla and her boyfriend Dominic Russo provide a closer look at their troubled relationship before the 2022 crash that killed Russo and their friend Davion Flanagan.

According to investigators, the messages show Shirilla accusing Russo of trying to harm her during an argument while she was driving erratically weeks before the crash. In one exchange, she wrote, “Do you think I would have my car started with you in it knowing that you just tried to kill me,” while also questioning his feelings for her.

Prosecutors later argued Shirilla intentionally drove her car into a building at high speed, causing the deaths of Russo and Flanagan. Her defense team maintained the crash was a tragic accident.

Shirilla was convicted on multiple felony charges and sentenced to two concurrent life sentences with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

The text messages do not accuse Russo of any crime, but they may provide additional context about the couple’s volatile relationship before the fatal crash.