Newly uncovered prison calls and text messages are clarifying details in the case of Mackenzie Cirilla, an Ohio woman known as “Hell on Wheels.” After Netflix’s release of The Clash, her murder conviction has gained renewed attention.
Cirilla, 21, is serving two concurrent 15-year sentences for the deaths of Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19. Prosecutors allege she deliberately crashed her Toyota Camry into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, on July 31, 2022. During the trial, the prosecution claimed that Cirilla’s intention was evident; Flanagan was merely there to end his toxic relationship with Russo.
“This wasn’t reckless driving. This was murder. She had a mission and executed it precisely. That mission was death.”
The Strongsville Police Department recently released records, and Cirilla has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to review her case for potential appeal.
What has happened since “The Clash”?
Following the documentary’s premiere on May 15, police shared text exchanges between Cirilla and Russo, along with jail calls and body camera footage from the day of the incident, according to local media. Documents indicate Cirilla expressed frustrations about power outages leading up to the crash, mentioning an event she labeled the “worst power outage” in a message dated July 2, 2022.
Cirilla’s attorneys argue that medical evidence could support her claim that she may have lost consciousness before the fatal collision. However, other messages revealed troubling aspects of their relationship. In one, Cirilla allegedly remarked, “This is why I want to fuck KMS.” [kill myself] “And I kill people.”
Another text from her read, “I hope you treat the girl who would die for you a little better.” Further messages reflect strain and conflict; for example, Russo reportedly texted Cirilla that she “hit me” and “tried to throw a rock.”
Amidst these events, Cirilla’s father, Steve Cirilla, was placed on leave from his position at a Catholic school to take part in the documentary. The school has since communicated that it is investigating allegations regarding a lack of judgment among teachers.
The recent messages have come to light following Cirilla’s lawyers’ request to the Ohio Supreme Court for reconsideration of her previous appeal, which was dismissed because of a late filing. They assert that the state failed to fully investigate whether Cirilla suffers from orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), potentially causing her to lose consciousness before the crash. While her family mentioned this condition to her legal team, the defense claims it was only vaguely referenced during the trial.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley stood by the original verdict, affirming that he believes Cirilla is guilty of murder and expects any reviewing court to reach the same conclusion. Judge Nancy Margaret Russo stated during the 2023 sentencing that Cirilla acted with clear intent, calling it “murder” rather than mere reckless driving. “She had a mission, and she carried it out with precision. That mission was death,” the judge noted, directing her comments to a visibly emotional Cirilla.
