James Shirah, 24, was sentenced to 30–45 years after pleading no contest to second-degree murder for running over 29-year-old Terry Taylor Jr. on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, Michigan. The collision followed an argument at a house after Shirah’s wedding earlier that day; prosecutors say he left the scene and returned before striking the victim. Shirah’s defense said the incident stemmed from an alcohol-fueled confrontation, and Shirah expressed remorse at sentencing. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years; his wife, Savanah Collier, faces an accessory charge.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 30–45 Years After Running Over Groomsman on Wedding Night
Michigan man gets at least 30 years for killing groomsman on wedding night
James Shirah, 24, was sentenced Monday to 30 to 45 years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Terry Taylor Jr., according to court records and reporting from Genesee County Circuit Court.
The fatal incident occurred on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, Michigan, hours after Shirah and his bride, Savanah Collier, had been married. Prosecutors say a dispute at a house on East Hamilton Street escalated and that Shirah struck Taylor with his vehicle. Witnesses testified that Shirah briefly left the scene, returned and then hit the victim; testimony described an impact forceful enough to throw Taylor into the air.
“When I got to him all I could see was blood,” a cousin of the victim told the court, describing how first responders were performing CPR. Taylor, 29, is survived by his fiancée and four children.
Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was not intentional, saying it resulted from an alcohol-fueled confrontation. At sentencing Shirah told the judge, "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.… I will forever be sorry." Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged the seriousness of the case and delivered the sentence, telling Shirah:
"I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer."
Court records show Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences for related offenses, including operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years.
Shirah’s wife, Savanah Collier, has pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Reporting for this story drew on court testimony and local news coverage.
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