A Michigan man has been sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison for killing his best friend on his wedding day following an alcohol-fueled argument. James Shirah, 24, fought back tears as he insisted he did not intend to kill his longtime friend and groomsman, Terry Taylor, 29, when he drove his SUV into him after the wedding reception in Flint, according to Michigan Live.
The fatal incident occurred on August 30, 2024, in Flint, after Shirah married Savanah Collier earlier that day, with celebrations continuing at a house. Taylor, a father of four with a fiancée, died after Shirah struck him with his car, sending him flying into the air, following a drunken argument on the wedding night. The cause of the argument remains unclear.
Prosecutors argued that Shirah left the scene after the argument, had time to reflect, and then returned to intentionally strike Taylor, as reported by MLive.com. However, his defense claimed the crash was not intentional. Addressing the court, Shirah said, "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. ... I will forever be sorry."
Judge Khary Hanible remarked, "Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer." In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
Taylor's cousin, Eren Taylor, said before the sentencing, "I hope that they throw the book at you." Taylor was a father of three and expecting a fourth child with his fiancée, according to a GoFundMe campaign. His partner wrote, "We (myself and his family) are trying to give him the burial that he wanted and deserves. He was an amazing person so many people love him. This was completely unexpected and a lot of lives are affected by this loss."
Police say the incident stemmed from an argument between the newlyweds and the groomsman following the wedding celebrations at Flint Pizzeria. "After the wedding, (Taylor) was involved in an argument, which led to him being intentionally struck by a large SUV that was traveling at a high rate of speed," police said. The subject of the argument remains unknown.
Shirah was charged with second-degree murder. His bride has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to a felony. Prosecutor David Leyton said he had never seen anything "quite like this." He added, "I've seen people running over other people, but not so soon after a wedding." Shirah's wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
