A Michigan newlywed has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after killing his best friend on the day of his own wedding.
James Shirah, 24, received the sentence on Monday in Genesee County court for the death of Terry Taylor Jr. The fatal incident occurred in Flint on August 30, 2024, after Shirah’s wedding to Savanah Collier earlier that day, with celebrations continuing at a house.
Prosecutors contended that Shirah had left the scene after an argument, had time to reflect, and then returned to intentionally strike Taylor, as reported by MLive.com. His defence, however, argued the crash was not intentional.
Addressing the court, Shirah stated: “The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry.”
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.
Victim Taylor was a dad of three — and expected a fourth with his fiancee, according to a GoFundMe campaign.
“We (myself and his family) are trying to give him the burial that he wanted and deserves. He was an amazing person so many people love him. This was completely unexpected and a lot of lives are effected by this loss,” his partner wrote at the time
Police say the incident stemmed from an argument between the newlyweds and the groomsman following the wedding celebrations at Flint Pizzeria.
“After the wedding (Taylor) was involved in an argument, which led to him being intentionally struck by a large SUV that was traveling at a high rate of speed,” police said.
There was no word on what the argument was over.
Shirah was charged with second-degree murder. His bride has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to a felony. Prosecutor David Leyton said he had never seen anything “quite like this.”
“I’ve seen people running over other people but not so soon after a wedding,” he added.
Savahna Collier will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
