James Shirah was sentenced Monday in Genesee County court to at least 30 years in prison for the Aug. 30, 2024, killing of his best friend on his wedding night, the Associated Press reported.
In court, Shirah, 24, apologized and said, “The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” according to the AP’s account of the sentencing proceedings.
The AP reported that Shirah was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit. Prosecutors tied the fatal crash to an alcohol-fueled argument, and the AP said the evidence reflected that Shirah left the scene and later returned to strike Taylor.
The AP reported that Shirah and Savanah Collier married earlier that day. The celebration had moved to a house, where the argument and subsequent events unfolded before the fatal collision in Flint.
Before sentencing, Shirah’s attorney argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, told the court that Shirah left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, the AP said.
Judge Khary Hanible delivered a comment that the AP quoted as reflecting the court’s view of Shirah’s responsibility. “Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Hanible said, according to the AP.
The AP reported that in April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. Under the sentence imposed Monday, the AP said Shirah will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
The AP also reported that Shirah’s wife, Savanah Collier, is scheduled to be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.