On August 30, 2024, James Shirah was living the happiest day of his life in Flint, Michigan: he was marrying Savanah Collier surrounded by family and friends. But he turned it into a tragedy when alcohol clouded his judgment.
After an argument with his best friend and best man, Terry Taylor Jr., the 24-year-old groom left the celebration drunk, only to return minutes later behind the wheel of his car and run over Taylor, causing his death. Shirah’s lawyer argued that it was an accident, but prosecutors said the defendant had time to reflect before returning.
The Genesee County court sentenced him to at least 30 years in prison, and only in 2056, when he is 56 years old, will he be able to submit his parole application.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apologies and my remorse. I will always regret it”, Shirah said in court before hearing his sentence.