Michigan groom sentenced 30 years for killing friend on wedding day

1 min readPublished May 13, 2026

A Michigan court handed down a sentence of no fewer than 30 years in prison to James Shirah, 24, who killed his best friend with a vehicle on the same day he married, according to The Associated Press.

The fatal incident occurred on Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, where Taylor was struck by a vehicle Shirah was driving. Earlier that day, Shirah had married Savanah Collier, and a post-ceremony gathering at a private home turned volatile after alcohol and an argument factored in. Shirah will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

Sentencing took place in Genesee County court. Genesee County Judge Khary Hanible addressed Shirah directly during the proceeding. "Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer," the judge said, according to the AP.

Before Shirah was sentenced, a relative of the victim addressed him directly. "I hope that they throw the book at you," said Eren Taylor, a cousin of Terry Taylor Jr., according to the AP.

Shirah expressed remorse from the courtroom. "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. ... I will forever be sorry," he said, according to the AP.

A separate sentencing for Shirah's wife on an accessory charge is expected before the end of May.

Michigan man gets 30-year prison term for fatally running over friend hours after wedding

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