FLINT, Mich. \u2014 A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to at least 30 years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,\u201d James Shirah said in Genesee County court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour\u2019s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shirah\u2019s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,\u201d Judge Khary Hanible said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hope that they throw the book at you,\u201d Taylor\u2019s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shirah\u2019s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n