A Michigan groom who married his bride and then killed his best man on the same day has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison. James Shirah, 24, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other charges for running over Terry Taylor Jr., 29, after a drunken argument on August 30, 2024.
Court Proceedings
In a Flint courtroom, Shirah fought back tears as he apologized to Taylor's family. "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. I will forever be sorry," he said. Despite his remorse, Judge Khary Hanible imposed a minimum 30-year sentence, stating, "Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer. There was nothing accidental about what took place."
Details of the Incident
The wedding celebration moved to a house in Flint after the couple tied the knot at a pizzeria. An alcohol-fueled argument erupted, leading Shirah to leave the scene. Prosecutors said he had time to reflect before returning and deliberately driving his vehicle into Taylor. Shirah's lawyer, Harrell Milhouse, argued the crash was not intentional, saying, "There was a fight, an argument, with alcohol involved. This is a situation where you have friends — lifelong friends, best friends — and things get out of control."
Victim's Family Reaction
Eren Taylor, the victim's cousin, expressed hope for a harsh sentence before the hearing, saying, "I hope that they throw the book at you." Family members were seen reacting emotionally as Shirah was led to jail.
Additional Charges
Shirah also pleaded no contest to driving with a suspended license and failure to stop at the scene of a crash. His wife, Savanah Collier, is set to be sentenced later in May for being an accessory after pleading guilty in April.
