James Shirah, a 24-year-old man from Michigan, has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after fatally running over his best friend on the same day as his wedding.

Shirah was sentenced on Monday, May 11, in Genesee County court over the d3ath of Terry Taylor Jr..

According to reports, the incident occurred in Flint on August 30, 2024, shortly after Shirah married Savanah Collier. The wedding celebration had reportedly continued at a house where alcohol was involved before an argument broke out.

Authorities said Shirah was driving when his vehicle struck Taylor. Prosecutors argued that the act was intentional, alleging that Shirah had initially left the scene, reflected on the situation, and later returned before hitting his friend.

During sentencing, Shirah expressed remorse in court, saying: “The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse… I will forever be sorry.”

His defence lawyer reportedly argued that the crash was not deliberate, but the court ultimately handed down a lengthy prison sentence in connection with the fatal incident.