Michigan groom sentenced to decades in prison for killing best friend hours after wedding

Terry Taylor Jr., a father of four, died after being struck by a vehicle during a post-wedding argument in Flint

A Michigan man has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after prosecutors said he deliberately ran over and killed his best friend just hours after celebrating his wedding.

James Shirah, 24, was sentenced Monday in Genesee County Circuit Court to 30 to 45 years behind bars after pleading no contest to second-degree murder in the death of Terry Taylor Jr..

The fatal incident happened on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint after Shirah and his bride, Savanah Collier, had gotten married earlier that day. Authorities said the wedding celebration later moved to a home on East Hamilton Street, where an argument broke out among guests.

Michigan man starts crying as he is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for murdering his best friend on his wedding night pic.twitter.com/DitZkOWFJq

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Prosecutors alleged Shirah intentionally struck Taylor with his vehicle after briefly leaving the scene and then returning during the confrontation. Court testimony stated the impact threw Taylor into the air.

Taylor’s cousin recalled arriving to find first responders performing CPR, saying, “When I got to him all I could see was blood.”

During sentencing, Shirah apologized in court and said he would “forever be sorry” for what happened. His attorney argued the incident stemmed from an alcohol-fueled fight and was not intentional.

Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged Shirah had no prior criminal history but still delivered a lengthy sentence.

“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal,” the judge said. “You are, however, a killer.”

Taylor, 29, was a father of four and is survived by his fiancée and children.

Collier has also pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.