Michigan Man Sentenced 30-45 Years for Groomsman's Death

A Michigan man was sentenced to 30 to 45 years in prison on Monday after pleading no contest to second-degree murder in the death of his groomsman, whom he struck with an SUV hours after his wedding. James Shirah, 24, killed his longtime friend Terry Taylor Jr., 29, in Flint on August 30, 2024, following an argument during post-wedding celebrations.

The incident unfolded the same day Shirah married Savanah Collier. According to prosecutors in Genesee County court, the two men argued at a house party after the wedding ceremony. Shirah, who had been drinking throughout the day and was driving on a suspended license, briefly drove away from the scene. He then returned and intentionally struck Taylor with his SUV at high speed, sending him airborne. Taylor succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward. Shirah also faces concurrent sentences for leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of second-degree murder, originally an open murder count. He has already served 618 days, which will count toward his term, making him eligible for parole after 30 years.

During the emotional sentencing hearing, Shirah addressed the court in tears. "I...