Key facts
- The family of Dominic Russo is pushing to modernize "Son of Sam" laws.
- The goal is to prevent criminals from achieving fame through their crimes.
- Mackenzie Shirilla was convicted of a fatal crash in July 2022 that killed Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan.
- Newly released bodycam footage shows Mackenzie Shirilla's father berating police after her arrest.
- Shirilla, now 21, is serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life in prison.
- Evidence suggests the crash was an intentional act, not an accident.
The family of Dominic Russo is advocating for updates to "Son of Sam" laws, aiming to prevent criminals from profiting from or gaining fame through their crimes. This push is amplified by the recent release of bodycam footage showing Mackenzie Shirilla's father berating police after her arrest for a fatal 2022 crash. Shirilla, who was 17 at the time and is now 21, is serving 15 years to life for intentionally driving her car into a building, killing her boyfriend Russo (20) and their friend Davion Flanagan (19). Evidence indicated the vehicle was traveling 90 mph in a 35 mph zone with the accelerator fully engaged and no brake applied. The case has resurfaced due to a Netflix documentary, "The Crash." Shirilla's father, Steven Shirilla, was heard on bodycam video calling his daughter "a dumb 18-year-old" and insisting police not question her. He will not be returning to his teaching position at Mary Queen of Peace School.