A Michigan man faces a lengthy prison sentence after authorities accused him of deliberately killing his best friend by running him over, just hours after celebrating his wedding. The court confirmed these details during the proceedings.
On Monday, the Genesee County Circuit Court sentenced 24-year-old James Shirah to a term of 30 to 45 years in prison. Shirah had entered a no-contest plea to the charge of second-degree murder in the death of Terry Taylor Jr.
The tragic event occurred on August 30, 2024, in Flint, located about an hour from Detroit. Shirah and his new wife, Savanah Collier, had tied the knot earlier that day. The celebration continued at a residence on East Hamilton Street, where an argument erupted.
Prosecutors claimed that in the aftermath of the argument, Shirah intentionally struck Taylor with his car. Testimonies presented in court indicated that Shirah had initially left the scene, only to return and fatally hit the victim with his vehicle.
James Shirah received his sentence during a hearing in Flint, Michigan, on May 11, 2026. The hearing was documented by Jake May for The Flint Journal and the Associated Press.
Testimony reported by mlive.com indicated the force of the impact threw Taylor into the air.
“When I got to him all I could see was blood,” Taylor’s cousin said in court, recalling the aftermath. She said first responders were performing CPR when she arrived.
Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was not intentional and stemmed from an alcohol-fueled confrontation.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.… I will forever be sorry,” Shirah said during the sentencing hearing.
Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged the gravity of the case while delivering the sentence.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal,” the judge said. “You are, however, a killer.”
Family members react as James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison in Flint on Monday, May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
Taylor, 29, is survived by four children and his fiancée.
Court records indicate Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences tied to the crash for charges including those related to operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene.
James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison during a hearing in Flint, Mich., on May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years.
Collier, Shirah’s wife, has pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.