Mackenzie Shirilla Laughed About Being Called ‘Shirilla the Killa’ in Prison, Says Ex-Girlfriend

In a revealing interview with PEOPLE, Shyann Topping discussed her brief yet intense romantic relationship with Mackenzie Shirilla while both were incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in 2023. At the time, Shirilla was newly convicted for her role in a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of her boyfriend and a friend.

Shirilla’s conviction stemmed from an incident on July 31, 2022, in Strongsville, Ohio, where she drove a vehicle over 100 mph, ultimately crashing into a brick building. The catastrophic crash claimed the lives of 21-year-old Dominic Russo and 20-year-old Davion Flanagan, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. Despite the serious nature of her charges, Topping described how their connection blossomed within the confines of the prison walls.

One of Topping’s early interactions with Shirilla involved addressing a false and damaging rumour regarding her own past, which suggested she was involved in child trafficking. In an effort to counter this claim, Topping presented Shirilla with evidence of her real charges, explaining the situation in a candid manner. Interestingly, Shirilla appeared unfazed and responded with a form of dark humour, revealing that fellow inmates had nicknamed her “Shirilla the Killa.”

While at the time Topping found this comment amusing, as their relationship developed, she soon became concerned that the initial light-heartedness obscured deeper issues. Their relationship started shortly before Topping’s release from prison. She made a point of expressing her feelings for Shirilla through a mutual acquaintance, hoping to bridge the gap between their two worlds.

As Topping observed, Shirilla’s story unfolded, she became increasingly involved as a supporter. She expressed sympathy for Shirilla, listening intently to her recounting of the events surrounding the fatal crash and the judicial inequities she faced during her trial. Topping noted that Shirilla often spoke of her deceased boyfriend and friend in a respectful manner, which drew Topping in further.

However, the relationship came to an abrupt end when Topping was released from prison. Despite her departure, she maintained communication with Shirilla, initially believing that Shirilla would soon be freed too. “When I was in prison, I honestly believed maybe she’s not guilty because of the limited information I had,” Topping admitted, implying she felt a sense of urgency to advocate for Shirilla’s release based on her initial impressions.

Yet as Topping began to research the details surrounding Shirilla’s case, her perspective shifted dramatically. “When I saw all the evidence, I was like, ‘whoa,’” she remarked, stating that she started to comprehend a different side of Shirilla that contradicted the persona presented to her. Topping’s reflections on their past dates led her to reconsider her initial affection and views on Shirilla, whom she now sees as embodying traits of manipulation.

As Topping severed ties with Shirilla, she took to social media to share her experiences, launching a TikTok platform to discuss their relationship and raise awareness about the complexities of Shirilla’s case. This decision came just prior to the release of a Netflix documentary titled “The Crash,” which chronicles the events that led to Shirilla’s incarceration.

Now juggling two jobs, Topping has been engrossed in her own life, without any recent communication from Shirilla. She remarked on the lack of outreach, noting that while Shirilla could display sweetness towards those she liked, her disposition could also tilt drastically, reflecting a more sinister persona.

Topping’s transitions from romance to disbelief encapsulate the often convoluted realities of relationships formed in turbulent contexts like prison. Her journey reveals not only the complexities of human connection but also the profound impact that circumstances and personal histories can have on perception and truth.