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A Michigan man will spend decades in prison after authorities say he killed his best friend just hours after celebrating his wedding, according to court records.
James Shirah, 24, was sentenced Monday in Genesee County Circuit Court to 30 to 45 years in prison after pleading not guilty to the death of Terry Taylor Jr.
The incident happened on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, about an hour northwest of Detroit, after Shirah and her bride, Savanah Collier, were married earlier that day. Authorities say the party later moved to a home on East Hamilton Street, where an argument broke out.
Prosecutors said Shirah hit Taylor with her car after an argument, saying the act was intentional. He had walked away from the scene for a while before he returned and hit the victim, according to evidence presented in court.
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James Shirah was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison during a hearing in Flint, Mich., on May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
Evidence reported by mlive.com showed the force of the impact that threw Taylor into the air.
“When I got to him I saw that he was covered in blood,” said Taylor’s cousin in court, recalling the aftermath. He said first responders were performing CPR when he arrived.
Shirah’s lawyer said the crash was unintentional and was the result of an alcohol-fueled fight.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is apologize and regret…. I will regret it forever,” Shirah said during the sentencing hearing.
Judge Khary Hanible admitted that the case was serious when handing down the sentence.
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“Mr. Shirah, I believe you are not a criminal,” said the judge. “You’re a killer though.”
Family members react as James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison in Flint on Monday, May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
Taylor, 29, is survived by four children and his fiancee.
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Court records show Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he received sentences related to the collision, including those related to driving without a license and leaving the scene of an accident.
James Shirah was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison during a hearing in Flint, Mich., on May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years.
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Collier, Shirah’s wife, later pleaded not guilty and is expected to be sentenced later this month.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
