The massive success of The Crash has brought renewed attention to one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent years, but it has also unexpectedly pulled Kim Kardashian into the conversation.
After the documentary climbed to the top of Netflix’s global charts, its central figure, Mackenzie Shirilla, made headlines for expressing hope that Kardashian might take up her case. Now, Kardashian has responded through a source, making her position clear as public speculation continues to grow.
Inmate’s Request Sparks Viral Attention
The connection between Kardashian and the case began with a jailhouse phone call obtained by People, where Shirilla openly discussed wanting Kardashian’s legal help.
“Maybe Kim Kardashian’s seen… I want Kim Kardashian to be my lawyer,”
she said during the call, referencing the surge of media attention surrounding the documentary.
The conversation quickly spread online, fueled by Kardashian’s well-known involvement in criminal justice reform. Shirilla and the person on the call even referenced Kardashian’s past advocacy work, suggesting that her involvement could potentially change the outcome of the case. The mention of Kardashian’s SKIMS brand added an unusual personal touch, with Shirilla saying she wears the brand, seemingly in an attempt to appeal directly to the celebrity.
This moment, combined with the documentary’s popularity, created a viral intersection of true crime and celebrity culture, drawing widespread attention to a case that had largely faded from headlines after the original trial.
Kardashian Declines Involvement in the Case
Despite the growing buzz, Kardashian has no plans to step in. A source close to her told TMZ that the case does not align with her current legal advocacy efforts.
“Kim advocates for criminal justice reform by supporting individuals she believes were wrongfully convicted, as well as people within the prison system who have demonstrated rehabilitation and deserve a fair second chance. This case does not fall within her focus,”
the source said.
The response reflects a consistent approach to the cases Kardashian chooses to support. Over the past several years, she has focused primarily on individuals she believes were wrongfully convicted or those whose sentences she considers excessive for nonviolent offenses. Her involvement in securing clemency for Alice Johnson remains one of her most high-profile successes, highlighting the type of cases she prioritizes.
While Kardashian has paused her formal legal studies after multiple attempts at the California Bar exam, her advocacy work continues to shape her public image. Her decision to stay out of Shirilla’s case reinforces the idea that her involvement is selective and guided by specific criteria rather than public pressure.
The Case Behind ‘The Crash’
At the center of the documentary is Mackenzie Shirilla, who was convicted in 2023 on charges including murder and aggravated vehicular homicide. The case stems from a July 2022 incident in which she drove a car into a brick wall at nearly 100 miles per hour, killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend, Davion Flanagan.
Initially treated as an accident, the incident later became a criminal investigation after authorities concluded it was intentional. During sentencing, the judge described Shirilla’s actions as a deliberate act, stating she “chose a course of death and destruction that day.” She is currently serving two consecutive 15-year-to-life sentences.
In The Crash, Shirilla maintains that she has no memory of the incident and claims it may have been caused by a medical condition.
“There was no intent whatsoever there,”
she says in the documentary, expressing remorse for the victims and their families. The film presents multiple perspectives, including those of investigators and the victims’ loved ones, offering viewers a detailed look at how the case unfolded.
