What was supposed to be one of the happiest days of a couple’s life turned into a tragedy that’s now playing out in court.
A Michigan groom has entered a plea in connection to the shocking death of one of his own groomsmen — a man prosecutors say he deliberately struck with his SUV just hours after saying “I do.”
James Shirah, 24, pleaded no contest on April 14 to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, along with charges of driving on a suspended license and failing to stop at the scene of a fatal crash. He had originally been facing an open murder charge.
According to prosecutors, the incident happened on August 30, 2024, in Flint, Michigan, following an argument between Shirah and his 29-year-old groomsman, Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. Authorities say the situation escalated to a deadly point when Shirah allegedly hit Taylor with his vehicle. Taylor later died from his injuries.
The case doesn’t stop there.
Shirah’s bride, 23-year-old Savanah Collier, was also charged after investigators claimed she failed to cooperate with authorities during the investigation. She has since pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact.
Her legal team is now asking the court to sentence her under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which could allow her case to be dismissed and sealed if she successfully completes probation. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.
Shirah is expected to be sentenced earlier, on May 11. Court records indicate that his plea agreement does not include a set sentence, meaning he could still face life in prison.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton called the resolution appropriate given the circumstances, describing the case as “a very tragic situation.”
This guy looks like a loser….a chick magnet for sure!!!
Amazing what little punishment you get for killing somebody.
I heard the Michigan prosecutor would have settled on a careless driving plea.