A Man Who Married Then Killed His Best Friend Faces Decades Behind Bars
James Shirah received a sentence of at least 30 years in prison for killing his best friend Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint after an argument on their wedding day.
The incident occurred on Aug 30, 2024, when Shirah, 24, drove his vehicle into Taylor while celebrating his marriage to Savanah Collier. The couple moved their wedding celebration to a house in Flint about an hour northwest of Detroit.
Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses in April. He will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years in prison.
The Crash That Changed a Life
Prosecutors argued that Shirah left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor. Shirah's attorney had claimed the crash was not intentional.
"Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer," Judge Khary Hanible said during the sentencing hearing in Genesee County court.
The hearing took place on Monday, May 11, 2026.
A Family Left Behind
Eren Taylor, cousin of the victim, spoke before Shirah received his sentence.
"I hope that they throw the book at you," Taylor said.
Shirah's wife Savanah Collier will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory to the crime.
Shirah said in court that he would forever be sorry for what happened.
"The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse," Shirah said.
Shirah expressed that he would be sorry for the rest of his life.