James Shirah, 24, pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and related traffic offenses after prosecutors say he intentionally struck and killed groomsman Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. with an SUV on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, Michigan. The victim later died. Shirah faces sentencing on May 11 and could still receive life in prison. His bride, Savanah Collier, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and is seeking sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act; her sentencing is set for May 26.
Michigan Groom Pleads No Contest After Groomsman Is Fatally Struck By SUV On Wedding Day; Bride Admits Accessory Charge
James Shirah; Savanah CollierCredit: Flint Police Department
A Michigan couple has entered guilty and no-contest pleas in the death of a groomsman who was struck by an SUV on the couple’s wedding day.
On April 14, 24-year-old James Shirah pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, as well as related traffic offenses including operating while license suspended, revoked or denied and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death, according to court records cited by regional outlets WJRT, Michigan Live and Court TV. Shirah had initially been charged with open murder.
Prosecutors allege that Shirah intentionally struck 29-year-old groomsman Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. with his SUV after an argument, hours after Shirah and his bride exchanged vows on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, Michigan. Taylor was later pronounced dead.
Shirah’s bride, 23-year-old Savanah Collier, was charged after authorities said she did not cooperate with investigators. Collier has pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact, court filings show. Her legal team has requested sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which can allow dismissal and sealing of a youthful offender’s record if probation is completed successfully. Collier is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.
Shirah is set to be sentenced earlier, on May 11. Court records indicate he did not agree to a recommended sentence as part of his plea and could still face life in prison.
"We believe based on the evidence this is an appropriate resolution to a very tragic situation," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said, according to WJRT. "We expect the judge will issue a lengthy and appropriate sentence."
The case was reported by regional news outlets including WJRT, Michigan Live and Court TV and summarized by People. Both defendants will appear for sentencing in May as the court finalizes consequences for the death of Terry Lewis Taylor Jr.
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