Additional Coverage:
- Mackenzie Shirilla’s ‘ex-prison girlfriend’ reveals Netflix star’s plot to become influencer after jail (themirror.com)
Mackenzie Shirilla’s former prison girlfriend, Shyann Topping, has opened up about life behind bars and shared insights into Shirilla’s plans if she ever gains release.
Shirilla is serving a sentence of 15 years to life after a deadly crash on July 31, 2022, when she drove her car at 100 mph into a building, resulting in the deaths of 20-year-old Dominic Russo and 19-year-old Davion Flanagan. Convicted on 12 counts related to the incident, including four counts of murder, her case has drawn national attention and was even featured in a Netflix documentary.
Currently incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, Shirilla’s first parole hearing is not scheduled until September 2037. In a recent interview, Shyann revealed what Shirilla reportedly intends to do if she is ever freed-a future that remains uncertain given the severity of her conviction and the challenges she faces at parole.
During their time at the facility, Shirilla and Shyann had a brief romantic relationship before Shyann’s release on drug-related charges. Reflecting on the relationship and Shirilla’s outlook, Shyann told The Sun that Shirilla plans to “live it” if released, hoping to return to concerts, travel, become an influencer, and write a book detailing her experiences. “It might take some time, but she’s gonna get out and live it again,” Shyann said.
Initially, Shyann believed Shirilla’s claims of innocence and thought her story could become a powerful narrative honoring the victims. However, after learning more about the case post-release, Shyann’s perspective shifted dramatically.
She now describes the situation as “sick” and “evil,” suggesting Shirilla may be seeking fame rather than making amends. “I think she would throw up a big middle finger to the families like, I got away with it,” Shyann remarked.
Shirilla’s defense during the trial included claims that the crash was unintentional, attributing it to a medical episode caused by POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which allegedly led to a seizure while driving. Shyann expressed skepticism about this defense, emphasizing that Shirilla needs to show genuine remorse and be transparent with the families affected.
The relationship between Shirilla and Shyann was reportedly tumultuous. Shirilla demanded strict adherence to meeting times in the prison yard and would react with silence or anger if those expectations were not met.
Despite the challenges, Shirilla expressed strong feelings early on, saying “I love you” within two weeks and frequently discussing a shared life after prison. Shyann recalled Shirilla’s regret that they hadn’t met sooner, lamenting the timing of their relationship given Shyann’s impending release.
As Shirilla’s parole hearing looms years away, questions remain about her future and whether she will be able to rebuild her life beyond prison walls.