Although James Shirah apologised in a Michigan court today, he was still sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Terry Taylor Jr
James Shirah fought back the tears at sentencing(Image: AP)
A groom who got married and then ran over his best friend — killing him — that same day has been jailed.
James Shirah was sentenced to at least 30 years behind bars after pleading no contest to second-degree murder and other offences. He showed remorse in court to Terry Taylor Jr’s family, saying: “The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry.”
But Shirah, 24, had ploughed into Mr Taylor, 29, after an alcohol-fueled argument on the day he wed Savanah Collier. The celebration had moved to a house in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, but the drunken row happened there.
Shirah’s lawyer had told the court in Flint the crash, which happened on August 30, 2024, was not intentional. However, prosecutors said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and careering his vehicle into Mr Taylor.
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Sentencing Shirah to at least three decades in jail, judge Khary Hanible said: “Mr Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer. There was nothing accidental about what took place.” The hearing happened today in Flint after the young defendant last month pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop at the scene of a crash.
Harrell Milhouse, defending, had said: “There was a fight, an argument, with alcohol involved. This is a situation where you have friends — lifelong friends, best friends — and things get out of control.”
Speaking before the sentencing, Eren Taylor, the victim’s cousin, said: “I hope that they throw the book at you.” The relative did not talk to reporters after the hearing.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory. According to court records, she pleaded guilty at a hearing in April.
The pair had tied the knot at a pizzeria hours before the offences.
