Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
STRONGSVILLE, OHIO: Christine Russo is the sister of Dominic Russo, an Ohio ma, who was tragically killed by his girlfriend, Mackenzie Shirilla, in an apparently deliberate car crash at a staggering speed of 100 mph.
Shirilla, who was found guilty of 12 counts, including four counts of murder for the July 2022 crash, which killed her boyfriend, Dominic, 20, and his friend Davion Flanagan, 19, got sentenced to two concurrent 15-year-to-life terms by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo.
Christine Russo, aged 34, stated, "Nothing can make this better," adding, "Just hoping and praying that our pain eases even slightly," sharing her family's journey towards healing following the recent sentencing of the perpetrator, as per PEOPLE Magazine.
What did Christine Russo say about Mackenzie Shirilla's prison sentence?
Christine Russo lamented, "There's a huge hole in us all. We will never be whole again," recounting the loss of her brother.
However, in the aftermath of the sentencing, she expressed her disagreement with the decision made by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy, stating, "I feel like the sentences should have been [run] consecutively," adding, "I can't imagine how I would feel if Mackenzie got out in 14 years."
"My brother's life and Davion's life was completely stolen," continued Dominic's sister, along with, "They don't get out in 15 years. They don't come back in 15 years. They don't get any chance to live a life."
The gravity of their loss weighs heavily, as she expressed, "My brother's life and Davion's life was completely stolen. They don't get out in 15 years. They don't come back in 15 years. They don't get any chance to live a life."
Shirilla, now 19, will be eligible for parole after 15 years and was credited for nearly a year of time served during the sentencing. Her driver's license has also been permanently revoked.
Legal developments and unsettling details in Mackenzie Shirilla's case
While Mackenzie Shirilla's attorney, James McDonnell, refused to comment, her mother revealed that she plans to appeal the verdict, according to reports of 10tv.com as per PEOPLE Magazine.
Shirilla, characterized by Judge Nancy as "hell on wheels," was found guilty on multiple counts, including murder.
The judge, who is unrelated to the victim, highlighted that Shirilla intentionally steered her vehicle into a brick building at a devastating speed to end the lives of her boyfriend, Dominic, and passenger Flanagan.
Describing the grim intent behind the act Judge Nancy expressed, "She had a mission and she executed it with precision," before she handed down her verdict.
Details from Strongsville Police indicate that on July 31, 2022, Shirilla was driving with Russo and Flanagan when the horrific incident occurred. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Shirilla apparently aimed to terminate her toxic relationship with Dominic.
Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the crash, revealing Shirilla's normal driving followed by a sudden acceleration and the subsequent collision at 100 mph. The impact left all occupants trapped inside the wreckage, with Dominic and Flanagan tragically losing their lives at the scene.
Christine Russo remembers her brother Dominic Russo
The devastating loss of her brother has left Christine Russo shattered as Dominic Russo was a young man with clear ambitions and exciting prospects for the future. Before his death, he had embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, including a clothing line.
Reflected on his promise, Christine said, "He literally was just starting his life…and he was just a baby. So he had his whole life ahead of him."
Seeking solace in shared grief, the sister expressed her hope that both her family and the Flanagan family could begin their healing journey after the trial.
She desires her brother's memory to focus on his kindness and exceptional sense of humor. Dominic's role as an adoring and proud uncle to their children holds a special place in their hearts.
Reminiscing about her brother, Christine conveyed, "He was the most doting and proud uncle to our children," adding, "He was so loved, and he is so indescribably missed. I'm so proud to call him my brother."
Amid the profound pain, Christine expressed, "I would give my life to bring you back. I hope you're watching over us. I hope you see how much you're cared about, and I'll see you again," echoing the hearts of countless individuals in similar circumstances as her.
