Michigan groom will spend decades in prison for killing his best friend on his wedding night

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A person in Michigan who received married after which ran over his best friend that very same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to no less than 30 years in prison.

“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah mentioned in Genesee County courtroom.

Shirah, 24, was driving when her car struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier have been married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a home.

Shirah’s legal professional had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, nevertheless, mentioned Shirah had left the scene and had time to mirror earlier than returning and placing Taylor, MLive.com reported.

“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible mentioned.

In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree homicide and different offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, mentioned earlier than Shirah obtained his sentence.

Shirah’s spouse will be sentenced later in May for being an adjunct.