James Shirah Sentenced to 30 Years for Killing Terry Taylor Jr.

james shirah was sentenced Monday in Genesee County court to at least 30 years in prison for killing Terry Taylor Jr. on his wedding night in Flint, Michigan. Shirah, 24, will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

Before the sentence, Shirah told the court, “The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.... I will forever be sorry.” Judge Khary Hanible told him, “Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer.”

Flint Wedding Night Case

Shirah and Savanah Collier were married earlier on Aug. 30, 2024, and the celebration later moved to a house in Flint. Prosecutors said Shirah left the scene after an alcohol-fueled argument, had time to reflect, then returned and struck Taylor with his vehicle.

Shirah's attorney argued that the crash was not intentional. In April 2026, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses, setting up Monday's sentencing in Genesee County court.

Genesee County Sentence

Eren Taylor, Terry Taylor Jr.'s cousin, told Shirah, “I hope that they throw the book at you,” before the sentence was imposed. The court then set the prison term at at least 30 years, ending the case in open court for now.

The plea and sentence leave Shirah facing decades in prison before parole becomes possible, with the legal dispute over intent resolved through the no-contest plea and the judge's punishment. For Taylor's family, the sentence fixes the minimum time Shirah will serve at 30 years.