Groom will spend decades in prison for killing his best friend on his wedding night
FLINT, Mich. — A Michigan man who got married and then ran over his best friend the same day, killing him after an alcohol-fueled argument, was sentenced Monday to at least 30 years in prison.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apologies and my remorse. (…) I will always be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County Court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier in the day and the celebration had moved to a house.
Shirah’s lawyer had argued that the accident was unintentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah left the scene and had time to think before returning and hitting Taylor, MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” said Judge Khary Hanible.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope they throw the book at you,” said Eren Taylor, Taylor’s cousin, before Shirah received her sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for complicity.
