Michigan groom will spend decades in prison for killing his best friend on his wedding night
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man who got married and then got married in Michigan passed over your best friend He was sentenced Monday to at least 30 years in prison for killing her after an alcohol-fueled argument the same day.
“All I can do for the rest of my life is apologize and express my remorse. … I will be sorry forever,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when she struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day, and the celebration had moved to a home.
Shirah’s lawyer argued that the accident was not intentional. But prosecutors said Shirah left the scene and had time to think before returning and attacking Taylor. MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe you are not a criminal. However, you are a murderer,” said Judge Khary Hanible.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other charges. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin Eren Taylor said before Shirah received her sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced for accessory to the crime in late May.
