Documentary Fallout
Steve Shirilla Will Not Return to Teaching Position After Leave Linked to Netflix Documentary
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Steve Shirilla, father of convicted killer Mackenzie Shirilla, will not return to his teaching job at Mary Queen of Peace School in Cleveland. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland confirmed his departure on June 3, 2026, weeks after placing him on administrative leave following the release of the Netflix documentary *The Crash* KOLOTV.
The documentary, released May 15, 2026, centers on the 2022 crash in which Mackenzie, then 17, drove her Toyota Camry into a brick wall at 100 mph in Strongsville, Ohio. The collision killed her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend Davion Flanagan, 19. Mackenzie was convicted of 12 felony counts, including four counts of murder, and is now serving 15 years to life in prison Fox5Vegas.
Documentary Comments Triggered Steve Shirilla's Administrative Leave
The Diocese placed Steve Shirilla, an art and digital media teacher, on leave on May 18, 2026 — just three days after the documentary aired. The school said a staff member had shown "poor judgment." Steve believes his comments in the film were the reason WAVE3.
In the documentary, Steve is filmed saying of marijuana use, "I don't have a problem with her smoking dope. If you're going to smoke a drug, that's the one I believe you should take." Mackenzie was 17 at the time of the crash. Toxicology reports showed her THC levels exceeded legal limits. He also wore a T-shirt reading "Boom" during his interview, which many viewers found deeply insensitive KOLD.
Steve Shirilla Says Diocese "Showed Their True Colors"
Steve Shirilla did not go quietly. He told reporters he refused to sign a new contract with the diocese and called the decision unjust. "They showed their true colors," he said. He claims the documentary's editing made him look "lackadaisical" about his daughter's drug use and that his words were taken out of context WITN.
He also accused the trial of being unfair, alleging that the Russo family's local influence played a role in the verdict. "If it was just Davion in the car, she wouldn't be in jail," he said. He plans to step away from teaching entirely to focus on Mackenzie's ongoing legal battles Valley News Live.
93,000 Text Messages Deepen Public Case Against Mackenzie
On May 29, 2026, Strongsville Police released nearly 93,000 text messages and jail calls between Mackenzie and her family. The messages revealed a pattern of Mackenzie threatening to crash the car during arguments with Dominic Russo. The release shifted public opinion further against her KY3.
Forensic data from the car's black box showed the accelerator was at 100% and the brakes were never applied before impact. Christine Russo, Dominic's sister, has called Mackenzie a "psychopath" and accused her parents of being "arrogant." She said the Shirilla parents "created a monster" KWTX.
Mackenzie's Legal Team Files Fresh Appeal With New Medical Claims
Despite the public backlash, Mackenzie's lawyers are pushing forward. They filed a new appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Her team argues a clerical error cost her a previous hearing. They also claim new medical evidence shows Mackenzie may have suffered a blackout at the time of the crash WABI TV.
Mackenzie is currently held at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. The earliest she could be eligible for parole is 2037. Meanwhile, her father's exit from teaching marks the end of a very public and damaging chapter for the Shirilla family — one largely set in motion by their own words on camera 21Alive News.
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