Michigan man gets 30-45 years for running over best friend hours after wedding

A Michigan man faces 30 to 45 years in prison after authorities said he deliberately ran over his best friend hours after his wedding.

James Shirah, 24, received the sentence Monday in Genesee County Circuit Court. He had pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the death of Terry Taylor Jr.

The incident took place Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, about an hour northwest of Detroit. Shirah and his bride, Savanah Collier, had married earlier that day. The celebration later shifted to a home on East Hamilton Street, where an argument erupted.

Prosecutors said Shirah struck Taylor with his vehicle after the dispute. He briefly left the scene, then returned and hit the victim, court testimony showed. The impact threw Taylor into the air, according to testimony reported by mlive.com.

"When I got to him all I could see was blood," Taylor’s cousin said in court. She added that first responders were performing CPR when she arrived.

Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was unintentional and linked to an alcohol-fueled confrontation.

"The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.… I will forever be sorry," Shirah said at the sentencing hearing.

Judge Khary Hanible addressed the case's weight as he imposed the sentence.

"Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal," the judge said. "You are, however, a killer."

Taylor, 29, is survived by four children and his fiancée.

Court records show Shirah had no prior criminal history. Besides the murder conviction, he got concurrent sentences for charges tied to the crash, including operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene.

He becomes eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years.

Collier, Shirah’s wife, pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact. She faces sentencing later this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.