A Michigan court has sentenced 24-year-old James Shirah to a minimum of 30 years in prison after he fatally struck his best friend and groomsman, Terry Taylor Jr., with an SUV on the day of his own wedding. The incident occurred on August 30, 2024, following an argument that reportedly broke out during post-wedding celebrations attended by friends and family.

According to court proceedings in Genesee County, the confrontation escalated after celebrations continued at a residence following the wedding ceremony between Shirah and Savanah Collier. Prosecutors said Shirah drove an SUV into Taylor after a dispute involving alcohol and tensions among those present. Authorities later charged Shirah with second-degree murder after initially pursuing an open murder case.

Judge Khary Hanible sentenced Shirah to 30 to 45 years in prison for second-degree murder. He also received additional sentences of 10 to 15 years each for failing to stop at the scene of a fatal accident and driving with a suspended or revoked licence. Under the ruling, Shirah will become eligible for parole only after serving at least 30 years behind bars.

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During sentencing, Judge Hanible stated that he did not view Shirah as a career criminal but described him as responsible for taking a life. Addressing the court, Shirah expressed remorse for the incident and apologised to Taylor’s family, saying he would remain sorry for the rest of his life. The defence attorney, Harrell Milhouse, argued that the tragedy stemmed from a drunken altercation among lifelong friends and maintained that the fatal collision was not intentional.

The case also involved Shirah’s wife, Collier, who pleaded guilty last month to one count of accessory after the fact to a felony. She may seek sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which could allow the charge to be dismissed if she successfully completes probation and other court-imposed conditions. The court is expected to review her request later this month.

Taylor, who was a father of three and expecting a fourth child with his fiancée, was remembered by relatives and friends as a deeply loved family man. Family members described his death as sudden and devastating, with tributes and fundraising efforts launched shortly after the incident to support funeral expenses and his surviving children. Investigators said the fatal confrontation took place after wedding celebrations at Flint Pizzeria before escalating into violence later in the evening.

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