The Daily Beast
City of Flint Police Department A Michigan groom who got married and killed his best friend hours later has been sentenced to a minimum 30 years in prison. James Shirah, 24, ran over his best friend and also best man, Terry Taylor, 29, following an alcohol-fueled argument on his wedding day in Flint on Aug. 30, 2024. Shirah married Savanah Collier at a pizzeria, before celebrations moved to a private house. Shirah, who said he did not mean to kill Taylor, was sentenced by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Khary L. Hanible on Monday. “Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Hanible said. “I will forever be sorry,” Shirah told the court. “It was not intentional. That was my best friend... I accept full responsibility for my actions that night.” Shirah’s attorney argued the incident involving an SUV that took Taylor’s life was not intentional. However, prosecutors said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning to strike Taylor, according to MLive.com. Taylor is survived by four children and his fiancée. “I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence. Shirah was sentenced to 30 to 45 years behind bars for second-degree murder, and 10 to 15 years each for operating without a license, causing death, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death. Each sentence will run concurrently. Shirah’s wife, Collier, who pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact, will be sentenced on May 26. Read it at Associated Press Read more at The Daily Beast.
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