Groom Sentenced to 30–45 Years After Hitting and Killing Groomsman With SUV; Bride Faces Possible Dismissal

A Michigan man was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after striking and killing his longtime friend — a groomsman — with an SUV on the night of his wedding. The violent encounter on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint has drawn widespread attention as the court imposed substantial penalties following a no-contest plea.

Case Details

Twenty-four-year-old James Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death, and driving on a suspended, revoked or denied license. On May 11, the court sentenced him to 30 to 45 years in prison for the murder charge, a term reduced from an initial open murder charge. He also received concurrent sentences of 10 to 15 years for the other two counts. Shirah was fined $334 in court costs and credited with 618 days already served in custody, which will be subtracted from his term.

What Prosecutors Say

Prosecutors allege that Shirah deliberately struck 29-year-old Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. with an SUV after an argument escalated hours after Shirah and his wife, Savanah Collier, exchanged vows. Taylor was later pronounced dead. Local reporting indicated alcohol was involved and that Shirah briefly left the scene before returning and striking Taylor; the impact reportedly sent Taylor airborne.

James Shirah during his sentencing on May 11, 2026Credit: Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP

Bride's Charge and Possible Dismissal

Savanah Collier, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact. She may ask the court to apply the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act at a May 26 hearing. If Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Khary Hanible approves and Collier completes a term of probation, her charge could be dismissed.

Sentencing Remarks and Defense

Shirah — who has no prior felony or misdemeanor convictions — spoke emotionally at sentencing, saying he was sorry and did not intend to kill his friend. In court he said:

"I will forever be sorry. It was not intentional. That was my best friend ... I accept full responsibility for my actions that night."

Judge Hanible acknowledged Shirah’s lack of a criminal record but delivered a stern message:

James Shirah; Savanah Collier mugshotsCredit: Flint Police Department

"I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer."

Shirah’s attorney described the episode as an accident that followed an argument involving alcohol and said the men were longtime friends whose dispute spiraled out of control.

Victim Impact and Community Response

Family members of both men attended the hearing. Eren Taylor, a cousin of the victim, delivered a victim impact statement and described finding Terry covered in blood, later telling Shirah, "I hope that they throw the book at you." A GoFundMe established to help cover funeral expenses described Taylor as an "amazing person" and raised more than $3,000 toward a $5,000 goal.

Additional Notes

Local outlets including MLive and ABC12 reported on the case. People reached out to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Collier was also reported to have been accused of failing to cooperate with investigators during the probe.