‘Hell on wheels’ teen Mackenzie Shirilla sobs that she would never kill ‘soulmate’ as she’s sentenced

The Ohio teen who murdered her boyfriend and his friend by deliberately slamming her car into a wall at 100 mph made a tearful apology insisting that she would by no means have killed her “soulmate” on function — as she was sentenced to fifteen years to life in jail Monday.

Mackenzie Shirilla, 19, who has been dubbed “hell on wheels,” realized her destiny Monday after being convicted final week of 4 counts of homicide within the July 2022 crash that killed her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and his buddy Davion Flanagan, 19.

She was sentenced to 2 concurrent 15 years-to-life sentences for the warehouse wreck within the Cleveland suburb of Strongsville. 

Cuyahoga County Frequent Pleas Choose Nancy Margaret Russo stated she grappled with whether or not to slap Shirilla with consecutive or concurrent sentences, NBC News reported.

“I perceive that the ache on this room desires me to impose the harshest sentence, however I don’t consider that will be the suitable sentence, as a result of I do consider that Mackenzie gained’t be out in 15 years,” the choose stated.

Russo, who will not be associated to Dominic, added that there’s “an excellent chance” Shirilla might spend the remainder of her life behind bars — relying on her conduct and the parole board’s choice.

She additionally was convicted of felonious assault, aggravated vehicular murder and different crimes after killing Russo simply because their months-long relationship had fizzled.

Shirilla, who didn’t testify throughout the bench trial, learn a press release apologizing to the households of the victims.

“The households of Dominic and Davion, I’m so deeply sorry. I hope sooner or later you’ll be able to see I’d by no means let this occur or do it on function. I want I might bear in mind what occurred,” she stated, sobbing.

“We have been all associates, and Dom was my soul mate,” Shirilla continued. “I want I might take all of your ache away. And to my household, thanks for the help and all of the love you guys give. I like you all a lot.”

The victims’ family additionally addressed the courtroom earlier than sentencing.

“Mackenzie, going to jail since you did this, be grateful you’re nonetheless alive and have a future, no matter that could be,” stated Dominic’s mom, Christine Russo, NBC Information reported.

“Dom and Davion have been robbed of their futures, their hopes and their goals. Mackenzie confirmed no mercy on Dominic, nor did she on Davion. Solely God presently can have mercy on her soul,” the grieving mother added.

Flanagan’s mom, Jamie Flanagan, stated she was “devastated” by the loss.

“So many goals shattered, a future stolen. We are going to by no means get to see the wonderful man that he would absolutely be,” she stated, The US Sun reported.

Flanagan’s sister, Davyne Flanagan, stated: “I really feel caught. I really feel like I can’t transfer ahead.

“I really feel misplaced. … I would love you to offer Mackenzie the longest attainable sentence. I’ve recognized her for about three years, and he or she’s at all times taking the straightforward manner out,” she added, in response to NBC Information.

Shirilla’s mom, Natalie, pleaded for leniency from the choose, saying her daughter had spent months in mattress subsequent to a “shrine” she constructed for Russo.

“I’m asking for leniency as a result of it is a tragic accident she doesn’t bear in mind. Davion … he’s a brand new buddy,” Natalie stated earlier than the choose lower her off.

“What does that imply? His life was nugatory?” Russo stated, prompting Natalie to apologize to the mourning households.

Earlier than the sentencing, prosecutors additionally introduced TikTok movies displaying Shirilla at a live performance and celebrating Halloween after the lethal crash – in addition to certainly one of her claiming, “I’m the one you die for,” The Messenger and NBC Information reported.

In one other TikTok video, Shirilla claimed, “I’m not even cool, I’m simply a kind of ladies that may do a whole lot of medication and never die,” in response to The Messenger.

When Shirilla was convicted after the four-day, non-jury trial final week, the choose stated the 2 younger males skilled sheer terror of their last seconds.

“This was not reckless driving — this was homicide,” Russo stated. “She had a mission, and he or she executed it with precision. The choice was loss of life.”

Russo and Flanagan have been each declared useless on the scene, whereas Shirilla was discovered unconscious along with her fuzzy Prada slippers nonetheless on the accelerator.

She had THC in her system over the authorized restrict, however the prosecution determined to not pursue expenses of driving beneath the affect.

Dominic’s dad, Frank Russo, 61, final week stated he didn’t need to see his son’s killer spend the remainder of her life in jail.

“It’s horrible for everyone. Yeah, I misplaced my son, it’s more durable on our household, however I don’t need the remainder of her life ruined too, it isn’t going to make me really feel any higher,” he told NBC News.

“The entire thing’s only a disgrace,” the grieving dad added.