HELL ON WHEELS MACKENZIE SHIRILLA KILLS 2 MEN, DIVA DEMANDS BEHIND BARS

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: "HELL ON WHEELS MACKENZIE SHIRILLA KILLS 2 MEN, DIVA DEMANDS BEHIND BARS"

Date: June 19, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Guests: Dr. Bethany Marshall, Dr. Kendall Crowns, John Mobley, Joel Walman, Cheyenne Topping, Christine Russo

---

Episode Overview

Nancy Grace dissects the shocking case of Mackenzie Shirilla, who intentionally crashed her car at 100 mph, killing two young men. The episode explores Shirilla’s behavior both before and after the crime, with exclusive clips of her “diva demands” from behind bars. A panel of legal, mental health, and forensic experts—along with the victim’s sister and Shirilla’s former prison girlfriend—offer insights into Shirilla’s character, her manipulative tendencies, her attempts at appealing the verdict, and the devastating impact on the victims’ families.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Crime Details & Sequence of Events

• Intentional Crash

  • Shirilla drove her car into a wall at 100 mph, resulting in immediate, fatal injuries to two passengers.
  • “[Shirilla] was never unconscious at the hospital.” (Joel Walman, 04:33)
  • Dr. Kendall Crowns describes the nature and severity of the victims’ injuries, underscoring the deliberate and brutal act (09:59).
  • “Their brain coming out of their skull. And that’s what their families get to think about before they go to bed at night.” (Nancy Grace, 12:14)

• Initial Misconceptions

  • The crime was originally considered an accident; later evidence (including Shirilla's own words and consistent pressure on the gas pedal) established intent (17:40).
  • Evidence also revealed prior threats to kill at least one victim.

---

2. Mackenzie Shirilla’s Attitude in Prison

• Whining and "Diva" Demands

  • Audio recordings of Shirilla complaining about only having one book, lack of iPad access, and commissary delays:
    • “I mean, they should have like, when you come, they should be able to give you like a…welcome, not a welcome thing, but…like, you’re new.” (Mackenzie, 05:13)
    • “I’m annoyed…We need to just figure out this iPad like, ASAP. Like, I’m so for real.” (Mackenzie, 07:51 / 11:36)
    • “Yeah, I’m so irritated. Like, I just need a book. Like, so anything… Cards, a book. Yeah, right. Anything would be great.” (Mackenzie, 12:51)
  • Nancy Grace and Dr. Bethany Marshall mock Shirilla’s “Four Seasons” expectations:
    • “What does she want? A spa package when she checks into the CI Correctional Institute for killing two young, very young men?” (Nancy Grace, 06:23)

• Lack of Remorse

  • Shirilla’s focus is entirely on her own inconvenience, exhibiting no reflection or sorrow for the victims:
    • “The two victims are dead. They’re not going to get to read a book. They’re not going to get to look at an iPad.” (Nancy Grace, 08:30)
  • Visits, video calls, social interaction, and amusements are her top priorities.

• Attention-Seeking and Manipulation

  • Shirilla remains self-centered, orchestrating drama among her support network and behind bars:
    • “She’s making her mother feel sorry for her. She’s drawing her mother in as a sympathetic person.” (Dr. Bethany Marshall, 21:35)
    • “Do you want my autograph?…I’m viral.” (Cheyenne Topping on Shirilla, 40:03)
    • “She has gotten 36 tickets behind bars—infractions ranging from sexual activity to insubordination.” (Joel Walman, 28:35; Cheyenne Topping, 37:40)

• Public Image and Social Media

  • Shirilla complains her trial wasn’t live-streamed in its entirety, showing a preference for public attention over privacy or remorse:
    • “That’s why I was hoping this one was going to be live-streamed. But it wasn’t.” (Mackenzie, 35:56)
  • “She is having a tantrum that she’s not getting the attention that she deserves that she used to have on the outside…” (Joel Walman, 41:36)

---

3. Psychological Analysis

• Debate Over Mental Health

  • John Mobley (defense lawyer) notes Shirilla’s behavior shows “severe mental health issues” (19:04) and faults her defense team for not raising this point during trial.
  • Nancy Grace challenges this, making a sharp distinction between “mental defect” (sanity/insanity) and “personality disorder.”
    • “She does not have any type of mental disorder. She looks very intact…She does have…a personality disorder, as I said earlier, cluster B high.” (Dr. Bethany Marshall, 21:35)
  • Both legal and psychological experts agree: Shirilla’s behavior reflects narcissistic, histrionic, and manipulative traits—traits that do not absolve criminal responsibility.

• Enabling Family Dynamics

  • Shirilla’s parents (especially her mother) are criticized for indulging her behavior and failing to confront harsh realities.
    • “They are not stopping her and saying, Mackenzie, you are the one responsible for this. They are oohing and ahhing her…” (Joel Walman, 25:30)
    • “She 100% knows that they’re all on her side and going to be wrapped around her fingers.” (Cheyenne Topping, 45:34)

---

4. The Victims’ Families & Their Pain

• Unbearable Loss

  • Christine Russo, sister of victim Dominic Russo, describes the ongoing pain:
    • “I can’t stand looking at her face…she seems to be having a great time in jail…that’s where it’s infuriating.” (35:12)
    • “There is no punishment. It seems like, yeah, she’s in jail, but she seems to be having a great time in jail.” (Christine Russo, 35:12)
    • “She never told me she was sorry. She very much acted like it was an accident, but there was a ton of lies…there was never responsibility taken or like an actual ‘I’m sorry’ whatsoever.” (Christine Russo, 46:05)

• Reality Check from Forensics

  • Dr. Kendall Crowns repeatedly brings the discussion back to the brutality suffered by the victims, countering the distraction of Shirilla’s prison woes:
    • “Their cause of deaths are blunt force injuries…skull fractures, the brain evulsion, the crushing, the chest, the explosion of their heart, lungs, liver, even their intestines…” (Dr. Crowns, 46:49)

---

5. Notable Jailhouse Behavior & “Tickets”

• Infractions Inside
  • Shirilla has received 36 tickets for violating prison rules, including sexual activity (with both men and women), exposing herself to a visitor, “alleged tablet sex,” and other forms of insubordination. (Joel Walman, 28:35; Cheyenne Topping, 37:40)
  • Topping explains tickets: “A ticket is like a rule infraction…if you break one of those, it’s basically court inside of prison.” (37:40)
  • Despite accumulating infractions, Shirilla appeared unconcerned as she believed she’d “be going home on appeal” (Cheyenne Topping, 38:31)

---

6. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “I’m annoyed. We need to just figure out this iPad like, ASAP. Like, I’m so for real.”
  — Mackenzie Shirilla (11:36)
• “She needs a glass of champagne to go along with her snack basket.”
  — Dr. Bethany Marshall (06:45)
• “She is sick to her stomach about how she was portrayed [in court]…not about the victims.”
  — Nancy Grace (41:21)
• “Did hell on wheels Miss Thing Mackenzie Shirilla expose her breast to a jailhouse visitor?”
  — Nancy Grace (26:34)
• “She has no remorse. Has she ever told you ‘I’m sorry’?”
  — Nancy Grace to Christine Russo (45:48)
• “She just doesn’t have the maturity level as to the seriousness and the gravity of what she committed here… diagnosis here is a spoiled brat on steroids.”
  — Joel Walman (25:30)
• “Intent can be formed just like that, in the blink of an eye, the twinkling of a moment and the time it takes you to pull a trigger.”
  — Nancy Grace (44:36)

---

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction of the case / first audio clips: 03:56 – 07:00
• Discussion of Shirilla’s complaints and “welcome basket”: 05:13 – 06:23
• Expert breakdown of physical trauma to victims: 09:59 – 11:31
• Legal/psychological analysis of Shirilla’s behavior: 17:40 – 23:23
• Family and experts critique enabling parental dynamics: 24:18 – 26:34
• Details of infractions and prison behavior: 28:35 – 38:49
• Victim’s sister Christine Russo speaks: 35:12 – 36:42; 46:05
• Shirilla’s lack of remorse highlighted: 40:42 – 41:21
• Wrap-up and remembrance of victims and law enforcement: 47:25 – 48:26

---

Closing Thoughts

Nancy Grace and her panel’s consensus is clear: Mackenzie Shirilla is a manipulative, narcissistic individual who shows no meaningful remorse for her actions, and her behavior behind bars only enhances the tragedy for victims’ families. There is deep concern about the spectacle-over-substance culture enabled by social media and the failure of certain family dynamics to hold Shirilla accountable. The show concludes by centering the memory of the victims, delivering a stern reminder of the real human cost behind the headlines.

---

For more on this and other criminal justice stories, listen to the full episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.

Transcript

[Nancy Grace]

This is an I Heart podcast guaranteed

[America 250 Announcer]

human this July 4th, come celebrate at America's Block Party hosted by America 250. America's Block Party is a can't miss 4th of July concert happening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Experience music, performances by major artists, patriotic tributes and the kickoff to giving 4th, helping to make July 4th the largest day of giving in American history.

It's more than just fireworks.

Join this landmark celebration and get your America's Block Party Tickets now for $17

[Mazda CX5 Advertiser]

at america250.org LA introducing the all new Mazda CX5 featuring more connection hey Google, where's the nearest Pilates class safety that has your back? More discovery on the scenic routes, more passion in the details and more control in changing weather. The all new Mazda CX5 more to move every side of you. See it in five films at mazdausa.com fivesides Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Sequences shortened and simulated Think about it

[Just Food for Dogs Advertiser]

when it comes to your own food. You can walk into a restaurant, see what's being made and know exactly what you're getting. But with dog food, most brands keep that completely hidden. Just Food for Dogs does the opposite. They've built their entire brand around open kitchens. You can actually walk in and watch them prepare your dog's meals with real human grade ingredients like chicken, beef, carrots and peas cooked right there in front of you. No mystery, no behind the scenes, you're not allowed to see. That kind of transparency is rare in the pet food world and it's a big reason they've become the number one vet recommended fresh dog food, earning trust from pet parents who want to feel confident in what they're feeding. When a brand is willing to show you exactly how your dog's food is made, it says a lot about the care, quality and standards behind every meal they produce. Nothing to hide, everything to love. Go to justfoodfordogs.com and get 50% off your first order.

[Nancy Grace]

There's a break in every 26 seconds. In the U.S. most security systems alert you after a break. INS already started. That's too late. Simplisafe is changing that. Using advanced AI alerts, SimpliSafe's US based live agents identify threats on your property and help deter them. And here's what I love most about it. No long term contracts. And the setup is so easy. The Simplisafe system was delivered to our door and in just 30 minutes our home is more secure. With monitoring and deterrence plans starting around a dollar a day, everyone can enjoy the benefits of SimpliSafe. I want you to experience the same peace of mind we do. That's why I've partnered with SimpliSafe to offer an exclusive discount to our listeners. Right now, you get 50% off your new system by visiting simplisafe.com Nancy I believe in it so much, I've given it to two of the LOL's little old ladies back in my home church in Macon, Georgia. That's half off. @simplysafe.com There really is no safe like SimpliSafe.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Hi, it's Karen and Georgia from my favorite murder.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

We cruised around LA in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and dove into the fascinating life of actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Want the full story?

[Nancy Grace]

Take a listen.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

She starts dating Howard Hughes and in fact, she helps him design a faster plane. So she finds the fastest bird and the fastest fish and sketches out a drawing of what the two would look like as a plane. And that becomes the plane that we know today. And he calls her a gen. Check out our new episode spotlighting groundbreaking innovators like Hedy and Lamarr and Billie Jean King.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Presented by the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

[Nancy Grace]

Goodbye crime stories with Nancy Grace. Tonight, hell on wheels. Mackenzie Scurrilla kills two men and now has the gall to make diva demands from behind bars. I'm Nancy Grace. This is Crime Stories. I want to thank you for being with us. Mackenzie Schrilla kills two young men.

[Joel Walman]

One of the two victims dies instantly. The other does not. Mackenzie Scurrilla was never unconscious. Was never unconscious at the hospital.

[Christine Russo]

It's completely shattered. I can't even put into words how tragic this has been for our entire family.

[Nancy Grace]

They're dead. And hell on wheels. Sherilla is alive and making diva demands from behind bars. She insists on being the queen of the jailhouse. I want you to hear Mackenzie Scurrilla caught on tape.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

I know, but how am I going to make this one book stretch? You may have to read it a couple times. I'm not reading the same book over and over and over over again. I don't know, Kenzie. I don't know. This is just, this super, super sucks. I mean, they should have like, when you come, they should be able to give you like a, like a welcome, not a welcome thing, but like, you're new. It's going to take a week to get your commentary.

[Nancy Grace]

Here's some A welcome basket at the big dollhouse. The women. See, I, I, I, I need to hear that again. Did she actually say she deserved A welcome basket. What did you. Please play that again.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

Supposed to be three to four days. I know, but how am I going to make this one book stretch? You may have to read it a couple times. I'm not reading the same book over and over and over over again. I don't know, Kenzie, I don't know. This is just. This super, super sucks. I mean they should have like when you come, they should be able to give you like a, like a welcome. Not a welcome thing, but like you're new. It's gonna take a week to get your commissary. Here's some.

[Nancy Grace]

What does she think this is? Dr. Bethany Marshall? The Mandarin? The Four Seasons? The Ritz Carlton? What does she want? A spa package when she checks into the CI Correctional Institute for killing two young, very young men. What? She's whining about having to read the same book.

[Dr. Bethany Marshall]

I think she needs a glass of champagne to go along with her snack basket. And maybe some movies to watch while she's at it. You know Nancy, this fits the profile of sociopathy or what we call cluster B. Personality. Cluster B is when you have narcissism, sociopathy and borderline altogether in one person. And this is the kind of person who would get dysregulated and smash her car at 100 miles per hour into a wall. This is the kind of person who would be self centered, who would only think about herself. But what's interesting to me, Nancy, her mother has no moral compass. The mother says this sucks. What the mother needs to say is, sweetie, you're going to be here the rest of your life. There are no. There's no champagne, there's no welcome basket. And you're going to have to read that book again and again. I think her mother needs to give her the Bible. I think that's the book she needs to read and she needs to stretch that one out as long as possible.

[Nancy Grace]

A welcome basket. Whining, whining that she only has one book so far. But that's not all.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

Listen, we need to just figure out this iPad like ASAP. Like I'm so for real. And. And my visitation is still pending for my video visits and there's no. They're just that they'll contact me when I'm approved so. And get all my friends to make them too. I did. I sent it to everybody. I'm annoyed. Yeah, this is gonna suck until you get your. Like it's only 3:30. How is it only 3:30? For real? I did not even know it was only 3:30. I thought it was like five. 3:30.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay. The two victims are dead. They're not going to get to read a book. They're not going to get to look at an iPad. They're not going to get to check the watch to see what time it is. Like she is no diva demands for them. Their families are in intense pain. The victims were very, very young at the beginning of their lives and their only mistake was being friends with hell on wheels. Mackenzie Schirilla. Let's just have a little reality check. Joining me, Dr. Kendall crowns. He is the chief medical examiner out of Fort Worth, Texas. Never a lack of business. He is a star of a hit podcast which I put on loop before when I'm driving mayhem in the morgue. He is the esteemed lecturer at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. Dr. Kendall Crowns. Before I listen to her whiny voice complaining about not having an iPad and only being given one book and enlisting all of her friends. They probably won't touch her with a 10 foot pole to write the prison or get involved with some crusade to get her more amusements behind bars. Can we talk about what happened to the two victims? How did they die?

[Dr. Kendall Crowns]

So she drove a car at a brick wall or a concrete wall at 100 miles per hour and slammed into it basically head on, but angling it a little bit so that the passenger side hit, which is probably why she survived. So the thing is, what happened to them? Well, it's kind of dependent on if they have on seatbelts or not. At that high of a speed, seat belts and airbag airbags will deploy, but the seat belts can actually slip up and cause damage. It can fracture your collarbone, it can fracture ribs, it can fracture your pelvis. And if you slide enough, it can also take your head off. The rear seat passenger evidently landed on top of the front seat passenger. So they, they hit this wall at this high rate of speed, they're going to go forward into the, they're going to get massive skull fracturing. Often it's deforming where the entire skull fractures, the skin splits open and the brain comes out. And then they're going to get multiple rib fractures, tearing of the or lacerations of the lungs, the heart and then the liver and bladder as well, spleen, kidneys. It's all that force going into your body. And then if you brace yourself at all, it will fracture your femurs, causing your legs to fold up back into your body and it'll also shatter and sever your spine as well, so there's a myriad of injuries caused by a high speed, head on, blunt force injury, car crash.

[Nancy Grace]

And yet she says, and she's caught on tape stating, quote, I'm annoyed.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

We need to just figure out this iPad, like, ASAP. Like, I'm so for real. And my visitation is still pending for my video visits. And there's no. They're just that they'll contact me when I'm approved, so. And get all my friends to make them too. I did. I sent it to everybody. I'm annoyed. Yeah, this is gonna suck until you can get your. Like, it's only 3:30. How is it only 3:30? For real? I did not even know it was only 3:30. I thought it was like 5, 3:30.

[Nancy Grace]

Do they not know they're being recorded? So not only is she demanding an iPad and complaining about the one book claiming she's, quote, annoyed. Did you just hear what Dr. Kendall Crowds described happened to the victims? Their brain coming out of their skull. And that's what their families get to think about before they go to bed at night, when they put their head on their pillow, they think about their son with his skull cracked open. And she's annoyed. Oh, but there's more. Now she says, I'm just so irritated.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Listen.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

Yeah, I'm so irritated. Like, I just need a book. Like, so anything. Anything. Cards. A book. Yeah, right. Anything would be great. And you shouldn't make guys wait that long to get your commentary. If that's the case, you know, give me a pad of paper and a pen for in, you know, intro, and then when I get my commentary, I'll give it back. But it is what it is. There's nothing we can do about it. But it's really bad and I'm sorry. It's enough to make a person go crazy. Yes. Literally, like, there's nothing for me to do in there. Nothing.

[Nancy Grace]

How about do something volunteering? How about do something to better yourself and help other people, not hurt them as you have already done

[John Mobley]

Foreign.

[Nancy Grace]

It's really hard to know what will work for weight loss and what's worth your time. Hers now offers access to an affordable range of FDA approved GLP1 medications, including the Wegovy pill and Wegovy pen. With Wegovy at hers, you can lose up to 20% or more of your body weight when you combine it with diet and exercise. If prescribed your medication delivered right to your door, you get a personalized treatment plan and unlimited dosage changes as needed. Ready to reach your goals? Visit fourhers.com Nancy to get personalized affordable care that gets you. That's F O-R-H-E-R-S.com Nancy Forhers.com Nancy Weight loss by hers is not available in all 50 states. WeGovy is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk as To get started and learn more, including important safety information, wegovy, clinical study information and restrictions. Visit for hers.com crime stories is so proud to be supported by Grand Canyon University, an affordable, private, non profit Christian university based in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. GCU doesn't settle for the status quo, they shatter it at gcu. Academically rigorous, industry driven programs are built to move at the speed of relevance with practical skills, career readiness and opportunity for every learner. And GCU believes education should not be a privilege, but an affordable path forward for all. In fact, they've kept tuition at the same rate on their traditional campus for the past 17 years and they're continuing that into the 2026-2027 academic year. Grounded in Christian faith, GCU works to empower the next generation to lead with integrity, serve with purpose and help transform their communities, building a future that matters. GCU is purpose Driven education. Take action, find your purpose and at GCU Private Christian Affordable Nonprofit. Visit GCU EDU to learn more.

[America 250 Announcer]

This July 4th, come celebrate at America's Block Party hosted by America 250. America's Block Party is a can't miss 4th of July concert happening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Experience music, performances by major artists, patriotic tributes and the kickoff to Giving Forth, helping to make July 4th the largest day of giving in American history.

It's more than just fireworks.

Join this landmark celebration and get your America's Block Party Tickets now for $17.76

[Mazda CX5 Advertiser]

at america250.org LA introducing the all new Mazda CX5 featuring more connection. Hey Google, where's the nearest Pilates class? Safety that has your back. More discovery on the scene, quest routes, more passion in the details and more control in changing weather. The all new Mazda CX5 more to move every side of you. See it in five films at mazdausa.com fivesides Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

[Nancy Grace]

Sequences shortened and simulated.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

This is Bethany Frankel from Just Be with Bethany Frankel. Most dog food is marketing not nutrition. That is why Biggie and Smalls eat just food for dogs. Real 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize. And yes I do see the difference. Better digestion, healthier skin, more energy. Dogs that feel better. My babies, if you've been on the fence about switching. Stop overthinking it. What's more important than your furry babies and their health? Go to justfoodfordogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code needed. Just try it.

[Nancy Grace]

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. Evidence shows that she threatened to kill the boyfriend. At first, this was thought to be an accident, but then evidence reveals she never took her foot off the gas. She wanted to kill him, and she. Whoa. And she did. That was her zooming by, by the way. Let's go straight out to veteran trial lawyer John Mobley, founder of the Mobley Law Firm. Mobley, did you hear. Did you hear the mom say, yeah, and you shouldn't have to wait for so long to get these things from the commissary.

[America 250 Announcer]

Oh.

[Nancy Grace]

Oh, bad commissary. What is wrong with these people?

[John Mobley]

Well, Nancy, you know, I've got to call it like I see it. You know, from a legal standpoint, despite this young lady's behavior.

[Nancy Grace]

Why do you start every explanation with I've got to call it like I see it? Of course you're going to call it like you see it. Is somebody paying you or convincing you or threatening you to say anything other than call it like I see it? Okay. That said, moving forward. Going forward, Mobley, we're going to assume you're calling it like you see it. Okay? So no need to preface everything with I'm going to call it like I see it. Okay, go ahead. Not to be repetitive, but please, John, call it like you see it.

[John Mobley]

That feels kind of threatened right now. But. But I will say that I do believe that this young lady's attorneys and parents have done her a disservice just based on her history of unstable behavior. I mean, that's just documented. And when you look at her behavior while she's in the prison system, it is very clear that this young lady has undiagnosed, untreated mental health issues. And when I review the history of this case and look at the defenses that were presented in the first trial, and even looking at the claims being made by her new attorneys that are claiming ineffective assistive counsel, I don't see anywhere her attorneys addressing her mental health issues. And I do believe, again, that this young lady's behavior is screaming that she has severe mental health issues for which she needs counseling, therapy, and probably medication.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

What?

[Nancy Grace]

What? She has severe what?

[John Mobley]

Mental health issues?

[Nancy Grace]

What? Mental health? Yes. You know what? Guess what, Mobley, Isn't it true you have a J.D. a Juris Doctorate. That's a yes.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

No.

[Nancy Grace]

Is that true?

[John Mobley]

That is correct.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay. Are you a trained mental health caregiver?

[John Mobley]

I'm a trained criminal defense attorney, and I can identify when defendants that commit conduct have mental health issues that are undiagnosed.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, I'm going to have to cut your mic right there. That said, let's go to a real mental health care giver, Dr. Bethany Marshall. Now, we just heard Mobley give his unsolicited medical opinion, and unless you got a jdmd, I don't want to hear that coming out of your mouth, Mobley. Now, the law. Yes, Dr. Bethany. A severe mental health illness. Don't you think her defense lawyers. If she had a mental health defect, they would have written it on a banner, driven it up and down Fifth Avenue that she had a mental defect? But they didn't. Why didn't they? And you know they would have because that could have been a viable defense. But there wasn't. And I know you, John Mobley. You would have tilled that earth over and over until you dug up a little rock of mental defect, and you would have heralded it up and down the courthouse halls. But they didn't. Bethany, she's got a defect, all right. It's called narcissistic histrionic. Translation, drama queen. Yes, she does.

[Dr. Bethany Marshall]

Nancy, she does not have any type of mental disorder. She looks very intact to me. She's articulate, she's manipulative. You know, when you hear her talking to her mother, she's making her mother feel sorry for her. She's drawing her mother in as a sympathetic person. But she does have. You're right, a personality disorder, as I said earlier, cluster B high. I like histrionic. That's true. Very dramatic. Histrionic is when a person has rapidly shifting emotions that appear deep in nature, but they're not deep at all. They're just designed to get attention. She wants as much attention, not just from her mother, but all of her friends. Her mother's going to pass this video link around to all of her friends. You know who it reminds me of? Nancy. Remember how Casey Anthony spoke with her mom? Remember how she whined, she pushed, she begged, she manipulated. And, you know, she wanted her mother to reach out to her boyfriend. Remember that? Trying to remember the name of the boyfriend. And the mother was just overwhelmed with the daughter. Did not even know what to do with her.

[Nancy Grace]

John Mobley. Dr. Bethany Marshall is a renowned psychoanalyst with mental health training, unlike you or me, but you've dealt with enough defendants to know Somehow it's always, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. And you hear her bossing her mom around, telling the mom what to do. Narcissistic, histrionic. Those are defects, true, but they do not rise to a mental defect or insanity under the law. I'm going out on a limb here, and I'm trusting you, Mobley, because I happen to know your trial record. It's very impressive. You win a lot of cases. You make a lot of great settlements. You know the law. This does not rise to insanity.

[John Mobley]

And I want to be clear on something. And by the way, I do agree with her statement that the parents are part of the problem and they enable her with their behavior. But I want to be clear that I'm distinguishing between mental defect and disease, which would amount to legal insanity versus mental health issues with respect to mitigation. Okay? I do not believe that she was legally insane under any law of any state. Okay? I do not believe that. I do believe that she has mental health issues that were untreated, undiagnosed, and probably, you know, contributed to her conduct. And I believe that if those issues were not addressed by proper evaluation, then they could not have been presented to the court for mitigation and sentencing, and she could not. And she's not receiving treatment for it in prison. So you are correct. She will serve her prison sentence without receiving any appropriate treatment. Get out. And there'll be no change in our behavior.

[Christine Russo]

Hold on.

[Nancy Grace]

I'm flipping through the dsm. You know what that is? Because of all your mental defect defenses, you've tried to put up the Diagnostic Statistic Manual for Mental Disorders. It's now in the fifth edition, I believe. I'm looking through. Oh, I found it. Here's her picture. Spoiled brat syndrome. Yeah, there she is. They've got her picture. Spoiled brat.

[Mazda CX5 Advertiser]

Ooh.

[Just Food for Dogs Advertiser]

Ooh.

[Nancy Grace]

I'd love you to raise that defense with me as prosecutor. I would be so happy. I would be parading up in front of that jury with that DSM in my hand, and I'd make them read it. I put it up on a slide for them to have to look out and even turn the lights off so there's nowhere to look but up on the slide about what is a spoiled brat defense. You know, we saw it before with Ethan Couch, the Affluenza defense. He's just so rich and affluent, he can't be held guilty because he just didn't know any better.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

You know what?

[Nancy Grace]

Joel Walman joining me, co host and star of Surviving the Survivor, Joel Walman. Do you hear John Mobley state that she has a mental defect? Could you tell us what really happened?

[Joel Walman]

Nancy? I did hear that, and I don't know John personally, but he's just the criminal defense attorneys have a job to do and I respect that job immensely. You know, I've been in broadcast journalism for 30 years and I'm an observer of people and I just see this as an absolute tsunami of dysfunction. And Nancy, I'm not saying this so you don't yell at me, But I am 100% agreeing with you. I'm the son of a psychiatrist, the son of a social worker, and to me the diagnosis here is a spoiled brat on steroids. She just doesn't know, doesn't have the maturity level as to the seriousness and the gravity of what she committed here, what she has done here. And then you add into the mix here the ingredient that the mother and the father here are complete enablers. Her enablers. They are not stopping her and saying, mackenzie, you are the one responsible for this. They are oohing and ahhing her and it is just like pouring salt in the wound. She needs a reality check because she is not getting out of prison any.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. Every stop, everything screech halt. Joel Wallman, star co host of Surviving a Survivor. Do I have this right? Did hell on wheels Miss Thing Mackenzie Shurilla expose her breast to a jailhouse visitor?

[Joel Walman]

You have that right. And this is where it's also kind of a tornado of confusion here because on the one hand you have these calls where she is bored to death in jail. I can't believe it is only 3:30. It's supposed to be five. And on the flip side, it seems like she's having the time of her life. She's got men who are reaching out to her. She has lesbian relationships going on. I mean, the mother was asked about how do you feel, you know, that your daughter is having these lesbian relationship in prison. And her response was, she's in her 20s, you know, I mean, this is where the insanity is coming from. It is coming from the top down. Just like in corporate America. You've got a nutty boss or a CEO and the corporate culture is going to be odd.

[Nancy Grace]

Walman, you think I care if she's gay? I don't care. All I care about are those two dead bodies. Did you not hear Kendall Crowns? Excuse me? Kendall Crowns, Dr. Kendall Crowns, Chief Medical examiner, Tarrant County. He's seen a thing or two. Did you not hear him talk about the brains Coming through the skull. I don't want to hear about she had a lesbian relationship. Don't care. Whatever. I care about the two dead young men. I care about their families who are sick to their stomachs every morning when they wake up, every night when they go to bed, how many tears their pillows are wet because of Shurilla. I go give a flying fig who she's sleeping with behind bars. I feel sorry for the partner but the exposing of her breasts in the jailhouse to a visitor, I want to hear about that. And what can you tell me Walman, about 36 tickets behind bars?

[Joel Walman]

I mean this is one of like you said, 36 tickets infractions in prison. One of them is having, I guess alleged tablet sex, for lack of a better phrase. I don't know what the kids are calling it these days, but yeah, she's had a sexual relationship.

[Nancy Grace]

What did you just say? Alleged tablet sex? I don't think that's what it's referred to, but just go ahead.

[Joel Walman]

Yeah, so some of this is going on and apparently she and, and a female partner, the female partner was seen on camera as Mackenzie Shurilla was. I believe she, you know, pleaded guilty in that particular infraction and then she's got, you know, a 46 year old guy who reached out there. I'm wondering who that 5046 year old person is who's interested in a 21 year old who's going to be spending many years behind bars. But I mean the point I raised earlier, just confusing. On the one hand she's whining and complaining to her mom about how bad prison life is and then she's having, you know, enjoyment on the, on the flip side. So the public image that they are creating is not one of good optics and that's really what I think the family needs to be focused on

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

foreign.

[Nancy Grace]

It's really hard to know what will work for weight loss and what's worth your time. Hers now offers access to an affordable range of FDA approved GLP1 medications including the Wegovy pill and Wegovy Pen. With WeGovy at hers, you can lose up to 20% or more of your body weight when you combine it with diet and exercise. If prescribed your medication delivered right to your door, you get a personalized treatment plan and unlimited dosage changes as needed. Ready to reach your goals? Visit fourhers.com Nancy to get personalized affordable care that gets you. That's F O-R-H-E-R-S.com Nancy forhers.com Nancy Weight loss by hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk as To get started and learn more, including important safety information, WeGovy clinical study information and restrictions, visit for hers.com crime stories is so proud to be supported by Grand Canyon University, an affordable, private, non profit Christian university based in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. GCU doesn't settle for the status quo, they shatter it at gcu. Academically rigorous, industry driven programs are built to move at the speed of relevance with practical skills, career readiness and opportunity for every learner. And GCU believes education should not be a privilege, but an affordable path forward for all. In fact, they've kept tuition at the same rate on their traditional campus for the past 17 years and they're continuing that into the 2026-2027 academic year. Grounded in Christian faith, GCU works to empower the next generation to lead with integrity, serve with purpose and help transform their communities, building a future that matters. GCU is Purpose Driven Education. Take action. Find your purpose at GCU Private Christian Affordable Nonprofit. Visit GCU EDU to learn more.

[America 250 Announcer]

This July 4th, come celebrate at America's Block Party hosted by America 250. America's Block Party is a can't miss 4th of July concert happening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Experience music, performances by major artists, patriotic tributes and the kickoff to giving 4th, helping to make July 4th the largest day of the giving in American history.

It's more than just fireworks.

Join this landmark celebration and get your America's Black Party Tickets now for $17.76

[Mazda CX5 Advertiser]

at america250.org LA introducing the all new Mazda CX5 featuring more connection hey Google, where's the nearest Pilates class Safety that has your back. More discovery on the scenic routes, the more passion in the details and more control in changing weather. The all new Mazda CX5 more to move every side of you. See it in five films at mazdausa.com fivesides Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

[Nancy Grace]

Sequences shortened and simulated.

[Just Food for Dogs Advertiser]

Most dog food brands don't really want you seeing how their food is made. Just food for dogs is the opposite. They actually invite you in. You can walk into any of their kitchens and see real human grade ingredients like chicken, beef, carrots and peas being prepared right in front of you. It's real food made in real kitchens. Nothing is hidden behind labels and that kind of transparency says a lot. Nothing to hide, everything to love. Go to justfoodfordogs.com and get 50% off

[Nancy Grace]

your first order crime stories with Nancy Grace. I'm hearing in my ear. We are now joined by Cheyenne Topping. This is Sherilla's girlfriend behind bars. And also Christine Russo is joining us. This is the victim, one of them, Dominic Russo's sister. She is the host of the big Sister Unhinged podcast and she's trying to keep the legacy of her brother's life alive. You know what, Christine? I respect that so much. I did something in another way to keep the memory of my fiance who was murdered alive to help other people because in a way, you know, it keeps me connected to him. And the thought of just forgetting about what happened is. Well, I can't do that. It changed my whole life as it has yours. When you hear her whining to the mother who totally empowers her that she can't get an iPad fast enough and she doesn't have enough amusements behind bars, exposing her breasts to a visitor, she's not worried at all about Dominic or what happened.

[Christine Russo]

No, that's. And I really appreciate you bringing to light and exposing her and everybody in that, you know, that has to anything to do with her. I appreciate you helping our family bring that to light and exposing them for who they are. They've done a pretty good job, I think, of exposing themselves as you can hear what's going on. But it's. I, I try to stay away as best as I can. You know, scrolling through social medias and stuff, I, I can't stand looking at her face. The whining behind prison bars. It's like she's not getting. There is no punishment. It seems like, yeah, she's in jail, but she seems to be having a great time in jail. And that's where it's infuriating.

[Nancy Grace]

Listen to Mackenzie Shorella behind bars.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

The rumor mill is strong, okay? Damn strong. People are so sad and depressing. Like they really have like nothing, like credible nothing. This is the saddest town. Open up my courtroom for like the whole city to come and just like live stream at all. And like don't block anything. Right, right. That's why I was hoping this one was going to be live streamed. But it wasn't. No, the end was, but not the whole thing. Just what the judge says was live streamed. But I was hoping the whole thing would have been, but it wasn't. That's okay. Who cares? They're so stupid. Dummies. Yeah, I just can't wait for them to like, they just have so much explaining to do. Like there's so many like unanswered questions. All these people are talking out of their.

[Nancy Grace]

They have so much explaining to do. Joining me now, in addition to Christine Russo, who is Dominic older sister, her podcast is the big sister unhinged podcast. Cheyenne Topping, who is intimately familiar with the goings on behind bars with Mackenzie Shurilla. The diva demands are insane. Cheyenne. And now she's complaining her entire trial was not live streamed. Just the end. What is wrong with her?

[Cheyenne Topping]

Yeah, that definitely sounds like Mackenzie because she is a person that is, like, very self absorbed. So I'm not even surprised to hear that conversation coming from her and her mom.

[Nancy Grace]

Honestly, the diva demands seemingly have no end. She's gotten 36 tickets behind bars. What is a ticket? How do you get a ticket behind bars? Cheyenne Topping.

[Cheyenne Topping]

So a ticket is like a rule infraction. So if you break one of the rules, which I gave you a handbook when you come in, when you very come in. And if you break one of those, it's basically court inside of prison. So you'll go in front of the sergeant, he'll read you your ticket, which could be like an out of place. Or as y' all see, she has like sex tickets. That's where you're like, intimate with another inmate. So you'll go in front of the sergeant, he'll read it and then ask you guilty or not guilty. And if you're guilty and if it's a high enough ticket, you go to the hole. If not, you get like tablet restriction or early bed stuff, stuff like that, you know?

[Nancy Grace]

Did she seem to care when she would be reprimanded or get a ticket, as it is called, behind bars?

[Cheyenne Topping]

When I was in there with her, she really did care about getting tickets. She did not want to get tickets because she firmly believed she was going home on her appeal. So now that all this is coming out, I'm not surprised because she did start showing her true character, and I could tell she was gonna be on a path to destruction.

[Nancy Grace]

Honestly, more. Mackenzie Shurilla, AKA Hell on Wheels, caught on tape.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

I think that's why this is so popular, because it's a mystery. But it's not. It is. You know what I mean? I mean, like, can they like, get a hypnotized person in this and, like, make me remember? Like, that's what I would like. Yeah, I know, I know. Me too, honey. Kendra said also, bro your ass. This guy is so big. Lmao. Like, I watched the live stream and when you walked in, I was like, damn, Jay said the same thing. And you look really Good. Did you get that metal off your arm yet? I noticed you weren't wearing your arm things. Also, I will make sure to actually answer your call, Kendra. Funny. As everybody's saying, you got a bumping little booty now. Everybody. I said hashtag sickrobots, Hashtag fatbooty,

[Nancy Grace]

Hashtag Sick girl vibe. Hashtag fat booty. Okay, Cheyenne topping. You dated her behind bars for nearly a year. She's worried or bragging. She's not worried. She's bragging about her ass and how it looked on camera.

[Cheyenne Topping]

Mackenzie is just a whole nother, whole nother world when it comes to the attention. Positive or negative, she loves it all. It doesn't matter what it's for. Like, she would walk around in prison, ask people, do you want my autograph? Or ask the CEOs. Like, these guys know who I am. I'm viral.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, now we hear Mackenzie Shorella, AKA Hell on Wheels, killed two people, intentionally found guilty, talking about feeling sick to her stomach. But she's not feeling sick to her stomach because of what Dr. Kendall crowns just told us about what happened to the victims. You know, I'm not going to tell you. Wait for it.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Listen to this.

[Mackenzie Shurilla]

I'm, like, sick to my stomach. I just, like, it just, like, bothered me what they said. Like, I just can't believe they would say that. Like, I mean, the military. Are you for real? Oh, my mom. That's a lie. That's a lie. Isn't that funny? They were trying to say that so they can make him sound like, I think he said that. So, like, the judge is like, oh, he sounds very respectable, young man. And so they give me, like, I was like, oh, my God, are you kidding? Yeah, literally, like, made my tears stop when they said that. Like, my tears just got all sucked right back up. I couldn't even believe it. Down would be beside his freaking self.

[Nancy Grace]

So she is sick to her stomach, nauseated about how she was portrayed. Joel Walman, co host and star of Surviving the Survivor. I think her priorities are Bass Ackwards 100%.

[Joel Walman]

You know, I'm just thinking about all this, listening to all the guests, and I literally cannot wrap my head around it. I mean, you just saw Jalen Brunson, the Knicks won. And they asked him afterwards, how do you feel? He said, I have no words. And that's kind of where I'm at right now as a journalist, because I've never seen anything like this. The only thing I can really come up with right now, and I'm afraid to say this Is Mackenzie Shurilla might be the first of many that we see like this because of social media. She is, you know, obviously the TikTok generation and they're now becoming old enough to be incarcerated. And are all these people who are spending their entire days streaming video of themselves, are they going to be incarcerated one day and wonder where are the live cams? Because that's what we're seeing in real time right now with Mackenzie Shurilla. She is having a tantrum that she's not getting the attention that she deserves that she used to have on the outside when she was freely able to

[Nancy Grace]

take, you know, another issue. John Mobley, if by some crazy chance there is a new trial, you do know that she is currently making any hope of a mental defense, mental defect defense or insanity impossible because there is no right to privacy behind bars. These calls are rightfully and legally recorded. I would bring in everyone and just play them on a loop for the jury.

[John Mobley]

I agree. I'm actually kind of surprised that she's making these statements while she's behind bars because any, you know, competent attorney would tell someone not to do that because if you are able to get a new trial, any post trial statements you make, they're not, you know, while you're in custody, did not make the law enforcement violation Miranda. All those things can be used against you either A, in the prosecution's case in chief or B, it's sentencing. And I think, you know, and quite frankly it kind of bitter in the behind of sentencing in the first case because a lot of the social media posts she made and comments she made were used at the sentencing hearing by the prosecutors because. And the prosecutors argued that she didn't have any remorse for her conduct, which led to her receiving a stiffer sentence. And I think again, she just kind of from that point digging herself in the hole deeper and deeper and deeper. If she does in fact get a new trial.

[Nancy Grace]

Listen to what Sharilla's father has to say.

[Dr. Kendall Crowns]

She has remorse. She was upset. If you would have heard her when she found out that Dom died, if you would have heard the sound that came out of her, it would have crushed you. I know my daughter didn't do it on purpose. I know when my daughter lies. My daughter should have been charged with vehicular homicide, two counts and juvie court and it should have never left. The juvenile judge took out the aggravated murder thing for the same reason. I'm saying they should have never charged her because there's no intent, there's no prior calculation, there's no purpose. It's not there.

[Nancy Grace]

I actually feel bad for the dad. He is struggling with the concept of intent to commit a crime. Intent can be formed just like that, in the blink of an eye, the twinkling of a moment and the time it takes you to pull a trigger. That's how fast intent under the law can be formed. It does not require a long thought out plan like poisoning someone over weeks and months. It can be formed in the dime it takes you to pull a trigger. So with her, as was proven in court, not taking her foot off the gas, let's see that video of her flying by right there. There's intent. There you go. Crashing and killing two people is time enough to form intent. Cheyenne Topping joining us, Shirilla's prison girlfriend for nearly a year. She is trying everything possible to get a new trial and she's got both of her parents bamboozled. Does she know she's got them wrapped around her little finger?

[Cheyenne Topping]

She 100% knows that they're all on her side and going to be wrapped around her fingers. She told me from in prison that they're all behind her and even Lyda told me Domin sister was all behind her too as well.

[Nancy Grace]

Straight out to Christine Russo. This is Dominic's older sister and star of the Big Sister Unhinged podcast. There is no remorse. Has she ever told you I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen?

[Christine Russo]

No, she never told me she was sorry. She acted before she was arrested. She very much acted like it was an accident, but there was a ton of lies and you know, her trying to cover up the entire time, but there was never responsibility taken or like an actual I'm sorry whatsoever.

[Nancy Grace]

Back to Dr. Kendall Crown's renowned medical examiner. When you hear all of these diva demands from behind bars and we know an appeal is in the works, could you again, a reality check. Give us a reality check about what the victims cause of death were.

[Dr. Kendall Crowns]

So their cause of deaths are blunt force injuries. All these injuries, the skull fractures, the brain evulsion, the crushing, the chest, the explosion of their heart, lungs, liver, even their intestines, all these combine together to make the cause of death. Blunt force injuries. It's not a dramatic cause of death, but it overlies the fact that they have all these crushing injuries, fractures of the ribs, pelvis, their legs, even their extremities and then the crushing of the head. So cause of death is blunt force injuries. And when you listen to all her demands, you know, she just kind of sounds sad to me, but that's my opinion.

[Nancy Grace]

Sad. She sounds like a self entitled spoiled brat who cares nothing about the fact that she killed two people and threatened she would kill the boyfriend ahead of time. We wait as justice unfolds and tonight we remember an American hero, Patrolman David Evans, San Antonio PD killed in the line of duty after 30 years on the force, leaving behind a wife turned widow, Elizabeth and children. The three Js, Jennifer, Jeffrey and Julie. American Hero Patrolman David Evans. Thank you for being with us and a special thank you to our guests, Christine Russo in particular, Dominic's sister Nancy Grace signing off for tonight. But I'll see you tomorrow night, God willing. And until then, good night friend.

[America 250 Announcer]

This July 4th come celebrate at America's Block Party. Hosted by America 250, America's Block Party is a can't miss 4th of July concert happening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Experience music, performances by major artists, patriotic tributes and the kickoff to giving 4th, helping to make July 4th the largest day of giving in American history.

It's more than just fireworks.

Join this landmark celebration and get your America's Block Party Tickets now for $17.76

[Mazda CX5 Advertiser]

at america250.org LA introducing the all new Mazda CX5 featuring more connection hey Google, where's the nearest Pilates class safety that has your back? More discovery on the scenic routes, more passion in the details and more control in changing weather. The all new Mazda CX5 more to move every side of you. See it in five films at mazdausa.com fivesides Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

[Nancy Grace]

Sequences shortened and simulated.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

This is Bethenny Frankel from Just Be with Bethenny Frankel. Let me be blunt. Most dog food is junk. It just is. And I'm not feeding junk to Biggie and Smalls. That is why they eat just food for dogs. It's real 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize. Not mystery pellets pretending to be healthy. And once I switched, the different difference was obvious. Better digestion, better skin, more energy. Dogs who actually feel good instead of just surviving dinner. Here's the thing. You care about quality. You make an intentional choice to be healthy. So why are you gambling with your dog's health? So let's think about our furry babies. Go to justfoodfordogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code. Just try it. Because once you see the difference, you're not going back.

[Nancy Grace]

With my mom and dad living in Orange county when we bring my five and seven year old to visit. We are sometimes in for or a two hour drive that could feel like ten.

[America 250 Announcer]

Oh, as an avid camper, I know all about this. We'll pack up the RV and know

[Nancy Grace]

this is either going to be the trip of a lifetime or a complete disaster. Which is why we load up the iPads with Lingokids before we even pull

[America 250 Announcer]

out of the driveway.

[Joel Walman]

It's what dreams are made of.

[America 250 Announcer]

Lingokids keeps kids engaged and quiet with over 4000 interactive games, songs and shows that kids simply cannot get enough of.

[Nancy Grace]

You can pack whatever you think you'll need, but Lingokids is the only entertainment you'll need for a stress free car ride.

[Joel Walman]

Or really any ride, plane, train, hovercraft, whatever.

[Nancy Grace]

Download Lingokids for free today or unlock even more amazing content with LingoKids. Plus choose the yearly plan and save up to 60%. Search LingoKids in the app Store or

[America 250 Announcer]

Google Play Lingokids Everything Kids Love hi,

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

it's Karen and Georgia from My Favorite Murder.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

We cruised around LA in the Hyundai Ionic 5 and dove into the fascinating life of actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Want the full story? Take a listen.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

She starts dating Howard Hughes and in fact she helps him design a faster plane. So she finds the fastest bird and the fastest fish and sketches out a drawing of what the two would look like as a plane. And that becomes the plane that we know today. And he calls her a genius. Check out our new episode spotlighting groundbreaking innovators like Hedy Lamarr and Billie Jean King.

[Bethenny Frankel / Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Presented by the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

[Karen and Georgia (My Favorite Murder)]

Goodbye.

[Nancy Grace]

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.