Mackenzie Shirilla’s Prison Ex-Girlfriend Says She Received Threatening Texts After Ending Relationship (Exclusive)

Shyann Topping has opened up about her troubled relationship with Mackenzie Shirilla, following revelations about the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash that resulted in Shirilla’s murder conviction. Topping, who dated Shirilla while incarcerated and maintained a connection after Shirilla’s release, has since severed ties, citing discrepancies in the story she was originally told.

The two women met at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, where Shirilla was serving her sentence. Topping recalls their initial encounter on the outdoor track, where she admired Shirilla’s appearance. Their relationship blossomed quickly, characterised by shared moments walking the track and intimate discussions about life in prison. Topping remembers those early days fondly but admits that there was much she did not know at the time.

However, the bond between the pair began to unravel as Topping undertook her own investigation into the details of the car crash that took Shirilla’s boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend’s lives. The incident occurred on 31 July 2022 when Shirilla, driving at an excessive speed, collided with a brick building. Prosecutors alleged that this was a failed murder-suicide attempt by Shirilla, which she and her family have adamantly denied, claiming that she lost consciousness due to a blood pressure disorder.

As Topping delved deeper into the facts surrounding the incident, she realised that Shirilla had not been entirely forthright. Despite the deep emotional connection they shared, Topping found herself increasingly troubled by what she learned. Attempts to ask Shirilla for clarity on the matter yielded minimal responses, leading Topping to publicly address her concerns through social media. This decision marked the beginning of the end for their relationship.

In a series of videos posted on TikTok in August 2025, Topping voiced her worries about Shirilla’s version of events, effectively signalling the breakdown of their relationship. Shortly after, she began receiving a barrage of threatening messages and warnings, which led her to fear for her safety. Some of these messages contained personal information about Topping, including her mother’s name and home address, which further heightened her anxiety. Topping suspects that these messages were sent by Shirilla’s former acquaintances from prison.

The situation escalated to a point where Topping felt she had no choice but to cease discussing Shirilla altogether. She did not return to social media until May 2026, following the release of a Netflix documentary titled *The Crash*. This documentary examines the tragic events of the crash and the tumultuous relationship between Shirilla and Russo.

Topping recalls how she initially believed in Shirilla’s innocence during their time together in prison, feeling sympathetic towards her plight within the judicial system. This perspective shifted dramatically, though, as she gained more factual knowledge and began to question Shirilla’s character. “When I first got out [of prison], I was like, ‘Oh, they don’t know what this girl’s been through,’” Topping said. “And then I started going through everything and seeing the evidence and I started thinking about her and I realised, ‘Oh my God, maybe she’s not a good person.’”

The revelations have prompted Topping to reconsider her previous intentions of advocating for Shirilla’s cause. What began as a supportive relationship built on shared experiences in prison transformed amid the unfolding tragedy of Shirilla’s actions. Topping’s journey highlights the complexities and emotional turmoil that can arise from relationships, particularly those formed in challenging circumstances.

As the situation continues to develop, both Topping and Shirilla remain in the public eye, with the latter’s case drawing significant media attention. While Topping seeks to move on from the tumultuous chapter of her life, questions linger about the details of the crash and the true nature of Shirilla’s actions on that fateful day.