A man from Michigan has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his conviction for fatally running over his closest friend, mere hours after celebrating his wedding, as revealed in recent court proceedings.
James Shirah, aged 24, received a sentence of 30 to 45 years in prison on Monday in the Genesee County Circuit Court. This follows his no-contest plea to charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Terry Taylor Jr.
The tragic event took place on August 30, 2024, in Flint, which is located approximately an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit. Earlier that day, Shirah and his wife, Savanah Collier, had celebrated their marriage. The festivities later shifted to a residence on East Hamilton Street, where an argument erupted.
Prosecutors have stated that Shirah deliberately hit Taylor with his car following the altercation. Witnesses testified in court that Shirah had left the scene temporarily before returning to strike the victim once more.
James Shirah was officially handed his prison sentence during a hearing in Flint, Michigan, on May 11, 2026. (Jake May/The Flint Journal/AP)
According to testimony reported by mlive.com, the impact was so severe that it propelled Taylor into the air.
“When I got to him all I could see was blood,” Taylor’s cousin said in court, recalling the aftermath. She said first responders were performing CPR when she arrived.
Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was not intentional and stemmed from 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 during the sentencing hearing.
Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged the gravity of the case while delivering the sentence.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal,” the judge said. “You are, however, a killer.”
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 fiancée.
Court records indicate Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences tied to the crash for charges including those related to operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene.
James Shirah is sentenced to at least 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.
Collier, Shirah’s wife, has pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
