“Gay for the Stay” & “Trains Run on Her”: Inside Mackenzie’s Prison Dating Life

Reformatory Resembles College Campus With More Freedoms and Amenities Than Typical Prisons

Ohio Reformatory offers a lifestyle and setting notably different from other correctional facilities, often being compared to a college campus. The facility provides a variety of recreational areas, including a track, volleyball and basketball courts, a softball field, and a gym. There are also large common spaces with televisions, which allow inmates to socialize and relax with considerable freedom of movement compared to typical prison environments.

Facility Offers Recreational Areas: Track, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Gym, and Common Areas With TVs, Allowing Inmates Movement Freedom

Inmates have access to amenities such as outdoor sports fields for track, volleyball, basketball, and softball. The gym and common areas serve as central gathering points, and the presence of TVs lets inmates enjoy a semblance of regular life. Rooms in some cottages, like Wheeler, offer more privacy, with actual couches and closing doors, resembling dormitories, compared to bunks set in open rooms in less privileged cottages.

Generous Yard Time Options: Three Daily Slots Offered

A distinct feature is the yard time: inmates have three different daily opportunities—early morning, midday, and late day—unlike most prisons, where getting yard time even once daily is considered lucky. Yard time is critical, not just for exercise or fresh air, but also for communication and information flow between cottages. Inmates can skip yard if weather is unpleasant, yet some never miss it, treating it as "game time."

Educational and Vocational Opportunities: GED Prep, College, Cosmetology, Service Dog Training, Parenting, Job Readiness

The reformatory offers educational and vocational opportunities including GED preparation, college courses, cosmetology training, service dog training, parenting classes, and job readiness programs. These courses aim to improve rehabilitation prospects and provide meaningful engagement for the inmates.

Mackenzie Becomes Glamorous in Prison Through Meticulous Grooming and Fashion Beyond Typical Inmate Behavior

Mackenzie stands out for her high-maintenance personal grooming and fashion flair, far exceeding the norms of prison life. Each morning, she wakes at 6 a.m. to style her hair and apply a full face of makeup, ensuring she is ready for the first yard slot. Former inmates, like Kat and Cheyenne, describe her as always “full glam,” looking like she is prepared for a club or photo shoot—even comparing her routine to that of Regina George from “Mean Girls.” This level of daily upkeep is rare, as even those who love makeup typically only use it for special occasions in prison.

Acquires Pricey Commissary Goods Like $15 Hair Gems, $300-$400 Nikes, Waist Trainers, Shoes, Jewelry, Styling Tools, Supported by Parents

Mackenzie’s commissary purchases are lavish. She wears $15 hair gems, owns premium Nikes that can cost $300-$400 inside, a waist trainer believed to cost as much as $150, numerous shoes, jewelry, flat irons, curling irons, and even an exclusive pink shirt altered for a snug fit. Her family, primarily her mother, funds these luxuries. The process of cooking with commissary items also requires funds and planning, since every meal component—from wraps for pizza crusts to cheese for shredding—must be bought, and access to microwaves is limited and competitive.

Cottage Prisoner Amenities

Living in Wheeler cottage, Mackenzie enjoys amenities such as flat screen TVs, actual couches, and private rooms with doors. This contrasts with other cottages, where bunks are in open rooms. The ability to cook daily, with access to limited microwaves, further underlines the relative comfort and resourcefulness required in her daily routine.

Inmates View Her As a "Regina George" Mean Girl, Mocking Others' Appearance and Status While Displaying Superiority and Entitlement

Mackenzie is widely recognized by the nickname “Regina George” due to her mean girl persona. She openly displays her superiority and entitlement, often mocking inmates with less t ...

Mackenzie Engages In "Gay for the Stay" With Female Inmates

Stories circulate among inmates and former prisoners that Mackenzie has “gone gay for the stay,” a term referring to engaging in same-sex relationships while incarcerated. Accounts from former inmates and netizens allege that Mackenzie is frequently involved in sexual activity in the prison bathrooms, described by others as “having trains run on her in the bathroom.” Hickeys on her neck are common, reflecting the norm among many women in the facility who couple up during their sentences.

Close Friendship With Inmate Jasmine

Mackenzie’s closest companion in prison is Jasmine, her “best best friend.” They are often seen together on the yard, adorned in gems and makeup, making them highly visible to others. Jasmine’s loyalty to Mackenzie is notable—after authorities discovered contraband hooch, Jasmine took the blame to protect Mackenzie, whose appeal was pending. Their friendship is the subject of frequent observation and speculation among the other inmates.

Mackenzie Pursues a Romantic Involvement With Inmate Cheyenne, Establishing the Relationship As Entertainment and Distraction From Prison Monotony

Boredom and the monotonous pace of prison life drive romantic developments among the inmates. Shayanne describes Mackenzie’s approach as flirtatious and validating, with Mackenzie openly ranking others on her personal “hottest people on the farm” list as a means to bond and entertain herself. Mackenzie’s interest in Cheyenne (another spelling: Shayanne) manifests in flirting and lighthearted conversation—the pursuit of these relationships is less about deep attachment and more about alleviating the isolation and ennui of incarceration.

Allegations of Mackenzie Engaging In Sexual Activities in Prison Bathrooms, With Claims of "Trains Being Run On Her" by a Former Inmate

Former inmates allege that Mackenzie’s sexual activities are well-known within the prison, with explicit claims that “trains are being run on her in the bathroom.” This rumor, echoed in several statements, suggests that sexual encounters among women in prison are not uncommon and are part of the social dynamics of the reformatory.

Prison Relationships Reflect Instability, Drama, and Superficiality Within the Women's Reformatory

Former Inmates Describe Constant Relationship Changes and Multiple Exes In the Women's Prison

Those who served time in the Ohio reformatory emphasize the volatility of prison relationships. Shayanne notes that “girls always have a new girlfriend in there like every other day,” and someone was “somebody’s ex every day.” This revolving door of relationships is a defining element of women’s prison life.

Dating Drama and Relationship Fluidity Entert ...

In the aftermath of her conviction and during her incarceration, Mackenzie’s recorded phone calls with her mother, Natalie, reveal a striking disconnect from reality, lack of remorse, and an enmeshed parent-child dynamic that continually reinforces detachment from her crimes.

Jail Calls Show Mackenzie's Unrealistic View of Legal Situation and Imminent Return to Civilian Life

Mackenzie regularly discusses ambitious and implausible plans for when she leaves prison, despite receiving a 15-to-life sentence for the murders of Dom and Davion. She outlines her dreams about becoming a social media manager or life coach, attending law school to overhaul the justice system, pursuing modeling, and owning a well-furnished home on a plot of land, emphasizing she does not want anything too big—“I want a little house that's nice on the inside so I can have a lot of nice things, but I don't want a big ass house.” She also talks with her mother about DNA tests, despite concerns about the government having her DNA, seemingly oblivious to her current incarcerated status.

Rather than confronting her actions, Mackenzie’s conversations veer toward trivial matters such as fashion, personal appearance, and career opportunities, as if her imprisonment is temporary and her return to normal life is imminent. She tells her mother about her reluctance to shower because, “I’m cute and little and I don’t want them to see me,” and discusses working out, noting, “my butt got fat as fuck… Everyone always tell me my butt fat as fuck.”

Natalie actively fuels these fantasies. She encourages Mackenzie to write a book as a way to control the narrative, insisting, “Start writing your book, nobody can twist or use things, your feelings, you know, that you say in a weird way to fit their gross narrative…this is going to be a good one.” Natalie promotes the idea of modeling, referencing cases where attractive mugshots led to fame, and suggests that celebrity involvement might help Mackenzie achieve freedom: “Maybe Kim Kardashian's seen it,” hoping the widespread media attention—their story reaching the Daily Mail in the UK and becoming “world news”—will draw Kardashian’s legal advocacy. Mackenzie herself wishes for Kim to be her lawyer, promising brand loyalty to Skims if Kardashian helps with her appeal.

Mackenzie Shows No Remorse For Killing Dom and Davion, Focusing On Grievances and Social Image During Trial

Throughout her calls, Mackenzie reveals a lack of empathy for her victims. She diminishes the impact of her actions, lamenting, “They’re acting like I killed 85 people, I didn’t kill nobody.” She voices grievances about the court process, critiquing the appearance of prosecutors and detectives and expressing irritation with the presence of victim advocates and acquaintances of Dom and Davion in the courtroom. If someone she feels uncomfortable around attends the trial, like a friend of the victims, she claims, “I don’t want to go to the courtroom if H is in the courtroom…I don’t feel safe with him anywhere near me…I’m going to refuse to go.” These frustrations overshadow any acknowledgement of Dom and Davion’s deaths.

Mackenzie also spends considerable time discussing her image—how she appears on livestreams and what friends think of her looks—and treats the ongoing trial as a social inconvenience rather than a proceeding weighing two lives lost.

Jail Calls Reveal Unhealthy Parent-Child Dynamic Between Mackenzie and Her Mother Regarding Bodily Functions, Attractiveness, and Personal Development

Mackenzie and Natalie frequently cross typical maternal boundaries with discussions about Mackenzie’s physical appearance and bodily changes. Their calls focus on leg hair, attractiveness, and compliments Mackenzie receives about her figure, rather than the gravity of Mackenzie’s situation. Natalie both reassures and flatters Mackenzie, further disconnec ...

Bench Trial Choice: Questionable Strategy; Possibly Due to Incompetence or Sympathy to Judge

Mackenzie Shirilla’s decision to opt for a bench trial, where a single judge decides her fate rather than a jury of twelve, baffles many observers. Stephanie Soo and numerous legal commentators struggle to understand the defense’s logic, with suggestions ranging from legal incompetence to a strategic calculation based on Mackenzie’s perceived unlikability before a jury.

Bench Trial Offers Fewer Chances Than a Jury Trial For Establishing Reasonable Doubt

A bench trial gives the defense just one opportunity—to persuade a judge—whereas a jury trial offers twelve individual chances to create reasonable doubt with just one juror. The prevailing legal mentality favors jury trials in criminal cases because, as Soo explains, “you have to flip one.” Jury selection, or voir dire, is an entire specialty because of how crucial it is to identify jurors amenable to reasonable doubt. By contrast, a seasoned judge is seen as a professional “hearer of excuses,” less likely to be swayed by emotion or inexperience.

Reasons for a Bench Trial: Arguing Black Box Data Is too Technical for Laypersons, Focusing On Legal Technicalities Over Emotions, or Believing a Judge Could Overlook Mackenzie's Behavior

Soo identifies two main situations in which defendants might choose a bench trial: when the case hinges on highly technical, scientific data that jurors may find confusing—such as car black box records—or when the defense centers on narrowly drawn legal arguments or loopholes that a judge may be more likely to recognize than laypeople. In Mackenzie’s case, the defense might have considered that the core evidence—black box data from the car—was too complex for a jury to assess but clear enough for a judge, or that a judge could focus strictly on the legal definition of “intent,” disregarding the emotional impact of Shirilla’s social media activity and post-crash behavior.

Another possibility is that Mackenzie’s actions, demeanor, and communications—considered abrasive or “revolting”—would irrevocably bias a jury against her, while a judge could theoretically separate personality from the strict facts and law. Comparisons are drawn to the Michelle Carter bench trial: Carter’s disturbing text messages were so off-putting that her defense opted for a judge who could overlook unlikable behavior and focus on technical legal questions. But as in Carter’s case, this gamble did not pay off for Mackenzie, who was similarly found guilty—raising questions about the wisdom of assuming judicial immunity to repellent facts.

Defense Lacks Medical Experts For Mackenzie’s POTS, Amnesia Claims

The quality of Mackenzie’s defense during the bench trial also came under scrutiny. No medical expert was presented to support her claim of a POTS-related episode, with only her mother testifying to the judge. Likewise, no expert was called to bolster her assertion of post-crash amnesia. Explanations range from simple incompetence, a lack of willing or credible experts, or a strategic calculation that the judge would disregard such testimony regardless. The absence of expert support left significant aspects of Mackenzie’s defense open to skepticism and undermined claims about her medical condition and lack of memory.

Mackenzie Lacks Courtroom Decorum, Making Inflammatory Remarks About Trial Participants

Throughout the trial, Mackenzie demonstrated little courtroom decorum, making various derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the proceedings and those involved—even after knowing that her jail calls were being monitored by prosecutors. During recorded calls with her mother, she insulted the prosecutors’ appearance, calling the female prosecutor a “bitch” and criticizing the male prosecutor’s hygiene and looks. She also fixated on the detective’s race and physique, making offensive comments about his body shape—obsessing over what she called his "slim thick" build—and ignoring the substance of his testimony.

Such behavior indicates ignorance of the consequences or dee ...

Mackenzie Shirilla’s relationship with her mother, Natalie, is characterized by striking parental boundary violations and a pattern of reinforcement for Mackenzie’s unhealthy beliefs and behaviors. Public discussion on social media and by commentators like Stephanie Soo and Rui Qian reveals a family dynamic where Natalie perpetuates her daughter’s delusions and exercises controlling influence over her friendships and public image, all while minimizing the gravity of Mackenzie’s crimes.

Natalie Reinforces Rather Than Corrects Mackenzie's Delusional Thinking in Parenting

Rather Than Grounding Mackenzie In Reality About Her 15-to-life Sentence, Natalie Urges Her to Write a Book, Pursue Modeling, Anticipate Celebrity Intervention, and Plan an Elaborate Post-Release Life With Real Estate and Business Goals

Natalie consistently encourages Mackenzie to view her life as a still-unfolding story of celebrity and redemption, unconcerned with the severe reality of a 15-to-life sentence. She urges Mackenzie to start writing her book while incarcerated, arguing that this would allow her daughter to express her feelings without others distorting the narrative. Natalie excitedly tells Mackenzie that she could go to law school to “save the world” and fix the system, insisting that Mackenzie has time and that her argument skills are needed. Such encouragement steers Mackenzie away from accountability, instead inviting her to imagine a future of success and influence.

Natalie’s approach extends to the physical environment as well, with reports from Juice on TikTok that she continues to buy and collect everything Mackenzie might want so her daughter will have a roomful of possessions ready “for when she gets out one day”—despite the unlikelihood of imminent release.

Natalie Thrilled by Mackenzie's Case Gaining International Attention, Joking With Her Daughter About Today Show and Daily Mail Coverage, Hinting This Could Attract Kim Kardashian's Intervention

Natalie’s enthusiasm for Mackenzie’s case being covered by the Daily Mail in the UK and the Today Show exemplifies this delusional reinforcement. She and Mackenzie giggle together, excited about their newfound notoriety, even joking that Kim Kardashian might get involved given her advocacy for criminal justice reform. Instead of grounding Mackenzie in the seriousness of her situation, Natalie frames the global media attention as a marker of fame and opportunity.

Fails to Set Boundaries With Incarcerated Daughter, Discussing Bodily Functions and Development, Suggesting Confusion in Healthy Parent-Child Relationships

Natalie’s lack of boundaries further surfaces in her conversations, where she discusses private matters such as bodily functions and Mackenzie’s development. Stephanie Soo notes that these exchanges reveal confusion in what constitutes a healthy parent-child relationship, blurring lines between friend and parent, and underlining the dysfunction pervading the Shirilla family.

Natalie Controls Mackenzie's Relationships, Dictating Friend Contacts and Monitoring via Social Media

Natalie Reassures Mackenzie About Rosie's Trustworthiness, Monitoring Social Media to See if Rosie Interacts With People Mackenzie Dislikes

Natalie assumes an unusually active role in managing Mackenzie’s social circle, especially regarding Rosie, a friend whose loyalty Mackenzie constantly questions. When Mackenzie expresses distrust about Rosie associating with Sammy, someone who posted negatively about her, Natalie reassures her by both interrogating Faith (another friend) and combing through Rosie's social media to confirm she is not in contact with Sammy. Natalie provides detailed reports back to Mackenzie, saying things like “she unfriended them and everything” and “I believe Faith because I want to be told stuff like that.”

Inappropriately Involved In Adult Dynamics, She Creates a Group Chat With Mackenzie's Friends to Discuss Removals, Enabling Mackenzie's Control

Natalie’s involvement goes so far as to orchestrate or participate in group chats with Mackenzie’s friends to manage group dynamics, removals, and allegiances. She both enables and enforces Mackenzie’s desire to control her friendships from jail, sometimes even agreeing with her daughter’s ideas for surveillance or exclusion—for example, being willing to block people or encouraging Mackenzie to have “people watching” others’ behavior.

Natalie Instructs Mackenzie to Update Her Instagram Bio To "if They Ain't Hating You Doing Something Wrong," Adding "Free Kenzie" and "Rip Dom and Davion," While Managing Multi-Platform Content

Natalie is hands-on with Mackenzie’s online persona as well, instructing her to update her Instagram bio to slogans such as “if they ain’t hating you doing something wrong” alongside “Free Kenzie” and dedications like “Rip Dom and Davion.” She manages Mackenzie’s presence across multiple platforms, shaping a narrative of persecution and misunderstood celebrity rather than one of remorse or growth.

Natalie's Parenting During the Trial Prioritizes M ...