FLINT, MICHIGAN — A Flint, Michigan judge sentenced James Shirah to a prison term of at least 30 years for striking and killing his best friend with a sport-utility vehicle at his wedding afterparty in 2024. Shirah pleaded no contest in April 2026 to second-degree murder, operating with a suspended license causing death, and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death.

On August 30, 2024, Shirah struck Terry Taylor Jr. with an SUV after an argument at the afterparty in Flint. Taylor, who had served as a groomsman at Shirah's wedding earlier that day, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being severely injured in the collision. According to police, the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed, and the impact sent Taylor flying through the air.

The wedding reception had been held at Flint Pizzeria before continuing at a house in Flint, where Taylor had been outside hosting the afterparty when he was struck. Testimony indicated that Shirah had been drinking throughout the day.

The newlyweds left the scene of the collision and did not report it to police until the following day. Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton said the delay in reporting the collision made it more difficult for investigators to unravel what happened.

Addressing the court at sentencing, Shirah expressed remorse. "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. I will forever be sorry." he said. "It was not intentional. That was my best friend. I accept full responsibility for my actions that night."

Judge Khary Hanible rejected the characterization that the death was a mere accident. "Mr Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer." Hanible said before imposing the sentence.

In a related proceeding, Savanah Collier pleaded no contest to one count of accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026. Taylor is survived by his four children and his fiancée.