Michigan groom pleads no contest to murder of groomsman on wedding day

A Michigan bride and groom have entered pleas in a criminal case involving the death of a groomsman who was killed just hours after their wedding.

James Shirah, 24, pleaded no contest on April 14 to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, along with operating a vehicle while his license was suspended and failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Shirah was initially charged with open murder after prosecutors alleged he deliberately struck 29-year-old groomsman Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. with his SUV following an argument on August 30, 2024, in Flint.

Shirah’s bride, 23-year-old Savanah Collier, also entered a plea in connection with the incident.

She pleaded guilty to one count of accessory after the fact, following allegations from authorities that she failed to cooperate with the initial investigation into the crash.

Her defense team is currently seeking sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. If granted, this would allow her case to be dismissed and sealed upon the successful completion of a probation period. Collier is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton described the outcome as an "appropriate resolution to a very tragic situation," noting that the state expects a lengthy sentence for Shirah.

The groom, who did not agree to a specific sentence as part of his plea, is expected to appear in court for his sentencing on May 11. He remains facing the possibility of life in prison for the death of his friend and groomsman.