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Popular Netflix True Crime Documentary Inspires Fight For New Legislation

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I love a good true crime documentary. Actually, true crime anything, including books, podcasts, movies, etc. Even when I was young, I would ride my bike to the nearest convenience store to get a hush puppy slushie and read the tabloids about O.J. Simpson or Jon Benet Ramsey. Fascinated by things I probably shouldn't have been reading.

Empathy For Victim Families

I know I am not alone in my morbid curiosity about horrific acts throughout history. However, there is something I admit I don't always consider. What it must feel like to see your loved one featured in a story about their death. To read about it on social media and deal with all of the speculation and opinions of armchair attorneys. Absolutely awful.

"Son of Sam" Law Loopholes

Even worse, because of loopholes in the law, perpetrators of these awful crimes can benefit financially from sharing their side of things. In the 1970s, "Son of Sam" laws were created to prevent serial killers like David Berkowitz from profiting from their crimes. However, that was obviously before the internet, TikTok, YouTube, or podcasts became forms of monetized media.

The Crash on Netflix

I recently watched a limited series on Netflix that all of my friends were talking about called The Crash.

Early in the morning on July 31st, 2022, Makenzie Shirilla drove her 2018 Toyota Camry into the side of a building at 100 mph. Instantly killing her friend Davion Flanagan, and boyfriend Dominic Russo.

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The documentary dissects the case with interviews from friends, family members, and even Shirilla herself.  Audiences (myself included) have been particularly shocked by the attitude she and her parents have towards the situation. They maintain the belief that a medical event caused the crash, even though there is no evidence.

What Happened to Makenzie Shirilla?

After a bench trial, Shirilla was found guilty of all 12 charges of murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, felony assault, and drug possession. She is currently serving two concurrent 15-year-to-life terms with the opportunity for parole after 15 years. While there, she has been talking with her mother about a possible book deal or modeling.

"Dom and Davion's Law"

After hearing a recording of a phone call in which the Shirillas were laughing at her newfound fame, Dominic Russo's sister, Christine, decided she had had enough. She started a movement with the help of Silver Lining of Hope, Inc., and an official petition ensuring Shirilla and others like her cannot profit from the pain they have caused. It reads:

Victims’ families deserve protection from being retraumatized while offenders, or those acting on their behalf, benefit from the public attention created by violent crime. Modern platforms have changed how people become famous and how they make money. Our laws must catch up.

We urge Ohio lawmakers to build on HB 505 and pass a broader modernized Son of Sam law for the digital era — one that protects victims, closes crowdfunding and digital monetization loopholes, prevents indirect profiteering, and ensures that crime-based notoriety cannot be turned into personal gain.

We hope Ohio will lead the way, and that other states will follow. Victims before influencers. Justice before profit. In honor of Davion Flanagan and Dominic Russo.

 

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Filed Under: laws, Netflix, true crime
Categories: Television, What's New

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