Gypsy Rose Blanchard issues stern advice for Mackenzie Shirilla as she explains potential key to freedom
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has explained why she doesn't believe Mackenzie Shirilla will receive early parole.
Mackenzie Shirilla is currently serving two 15-year sentences after being convicted of murdering her boyfriend Dominic Russo and his friend Davion Flanagan, after driving her car into a wall at 100 mph.
The incident, which happened in 2022, has attracted renewed interest after Netflix aired its documentary The Crash, which featured interviews with the friends and families of all three teenagers. Shirilla was also featured in the film, giving an interview from the prison where she is currently serving her sentence.
Despite her guilty conviction, the 21-year-old maintains her innocence and is currently trying to get her sentence overturned – a move which is supported by her family.
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Now, Blanchard, who famously served eight years behind bars for her involvement in the murder of her mother Dee Dee, has shared her thoughts on the case in an interview with TMZ.
The 34-year-old revealed that she doesn't believe the Supreme Court will overturn her conviction and issued some stern advice for Shirilla.
"I don't think the documentary did her any favours," Blanchard said, adding that she doesn't believe Shirilla will obtain early parole after serving 15 years.
"The parole board takes into consideration behaviour in prison [but] most importantly remorse and family," she explained.
"So if the victim's family writes against her parole, she will automatically be denied."
Blanchard went on to add that she believes Shirilla needs to use her time behind bars to reflect and have 'extensive therapy' in order to experience remorse over her actions.
"She's going to have to do a lot of extensive therapy," she said. It's not going to sink in until 20 years from now.
"The time that she's in prison now, she needs to grow up, take accountability."
Blanchard, who now works as an influencer and is now a mother, also weighed in on efforts from the Russo family to stop Shirilla from being able to profit from the deaths of Dominic and Davion.
Christine Russo is currently campaigning for ‘Dom’s Law’ to be implemented, which means that once Shirilla is released, she won't be able to cash in on her notoriety.
"Violent crime should not become a pathway to fame, money, influence, or opportunity," Christine said.
"I got to figure out how to stop her from becoming the next Gypsy Rose," she added, referring to Blanchard's celebrity status. "I’m on a mission."
Responding to the petition, Blanchard said that 'it's complicated' but agreed that Shirilla shouldn't be allowed to benefit from social media once released.
"No, I don't think she should be an influencer on social media," she said.
Topics: Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Mackenzie Shirilla, Crime, True Crime
Brenna Cooper