A Michigan man has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for killing his groomsman on his wedding day. James Shirah, 24, from Flint, was sentenced on Monday in Genesee County court for the death of his best friend, Terry Taylor Jr., whom he ran over with a sport-utility vehicle during an argument on 30 August 2024.
Details of the Incident
Taylor, 29, suffered severe injuries after being struck and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton told CBS News: 'I've never seen anything quite like this. I've seen people running over other people but not so soon after a wedding.'
Shirah pleaded no contest in April to three felony charges: second-degree murder, operating with a suspended license causing death, and failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death.
Court Proceedings
During the sentencing hearing, an emotional Shirah told the court: 'The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse … I will forever be sorry.' He stated that killing Taylor 'was not intentional' and that he accepted 'full responsibility' for his actions.
Judge Khary Hanible responded: 'Mr Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer.'
Background of the Incident
The killing occurred in Flint hours after Shirah's wedding to Savanah Collier. The celebrations took place at Flint Pizzeria and then continued at a house. Police said the argument between the newlyweds and the groomsman led to Taylor being intentionally struck by a large SUV traveling at high speed. The cause of the argument was not disclosed.
According to testimony, Shirah had been drinking throughout the day. He left the argument for about a minute before returning and hitting Taylor. The crash sent Taylor flying through the air. Taylor was outside the house hosting the afterparty when Shirah struck him. The newlyweds left the scene and did not report the incident to police until the next day, making it 'more difficult' for investigators, according to Leyton.
Victim Impact and Sentencing
Relatives of both men were present at the hearing. Eren Taylor, a cousin of Terry Taylor Jr., delivered a victim impact statement, saying: 'When I got to him all I could see was blood.' She addressed Shirah directly: 'I hope that they throw the book at you.'
Terry Taylor Jr. is survived by his four children and his fiancée. Shirah's wife, Savanah Collier, 23, is tentatively scheduled to be sentenced on 26 May for serving as an accessory to the crime. She also pleaded no contest in April.
