The father of the subject of Netflix‘s documentary The Crash, Steve Shirilla, was placed on administrative leave after fans saw him (and his wife) enabling Mackenzie Shirilla … even after she was found guilty of two counts of murder.
Steve was deemed unfit to oversee school children:
WKYC reported that Steve Shirilla was removed from his position as an art and digital media teacher at Mary Queen of Peace School in Cleveland. The removal followed comments he made about his daughter in the film.
The school, which includes grades Pre-K to eighth, emailed parents to let them know that a teacher had been placed on administrative leave following allegations of “poor judgment,” 19 News reported.
“We want every parent and family to know that the safety, well-being, and trust of our students remain among our highest priorities. We take all student concerns seriously and are committed to responding promptly and responsibly whenever concerns are brought forward.”
Steve’s controversial stances:
In The Crash, Steve discussed Mackenzie’s use of cannabis and defended her innocence. “I don’t have a problem with her smoking dope. If you’re going to smoke a drug, that’s the one I believe you should take.”
Also in the documentary, he and his wife, Natalie Shirilla, defended their daughter over accusations from other students that she bullied peers. Mackenzie went as far (allegedly) as to tell a classmate to end their life. The documentary additionally cited school records showing that Mackenzie had been disciplined for bullying.
Steve confirmed to 19 News that the school placed him on leave amid an investigation. He was upset with the editing of the documentary, but reiterated that he believes his daughter is innocent.
ICYMI:
In 2022, just days ahead of her 18th birthday, Mackenzie drove her car into a brick wall at almost 100 miles an hour with her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend, Davion Flanagan, in the car. Dom and Davion died immediately.
What was initially believed to be an accident, was later investigated as murder. Mackenzie was arrested and charged with two counts each of murder, aggrivated vehicular assault, and a number of additional counts.
In August 2023, she was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 15 years, ultimately receiving two life terms to be served concurrently. Her legal team then filed two appeals, one in September 2023 and one in April 2025, but both were denied.
