Unexpected Turn On Wedding Day: Michigan Couple Facing Charges In Connection With Groomsman’s Death
Imagine a wedding day brimming with joy, laughter, and dancing, which takes a shocking turn hours later. In Michigan, a newlywed couple found themselves at the center of a dramatic crime story that would surprise even the most hardened true crime enthusiast.
Right after their wedding, 22-year-old James Shirah added a grim twist to the traditional vows of ’till death do us part.’ His groomsman, Terry Lewis Taylor Jr., tragically ended up being hit by James’s SUV, according to the Flint police.
You might ask, ‘How fast could an SUV be going during such a moment?’ Flint police reported it was traveling at a high speed, driven not by wedding excitement but by a surge of adrenaline. Sadly, Terry had no chance.
The unsettling events unfolded on August 30, when Flint police responded to a scene on E. Hamilton Street. There, they found 29-year-old Terry severely injured. Despite being rushed to Hurley Medical Center, he could not be saved.
The investigation revealed that Terry, who had been a groomsman at the wedding, had been involved in an argument with the groom, James. The confrontation escalated, leading James to allegedly use his SUV to deliberately strike Terry.
It gets even more complicated. James Shirah now faces charges of second-degree murder and is being held without bail. His bride, Savahna Collier, 21, is also facing legal trouble. She’s out on a $4,000 bond, charged with being an accessory after the fact.
The wedding took place at a pizzeria, which initially seemed like a charming venue. However, tensions later flared at a different location. As Terry stood outside, emotions boiled over, and James allegedly drove his SUV into him. The couple chose to wait a day before contacting authorities, a delay that prosecutor Leyton suggests complicated the investigation.
Terry Lewis Taylor Jr. was not just a victim in this story. He was remembered for his love of music, fishing, and the outdoors, and his devotion to his family and dog, Kodiak. His obituary noted his simple pleasures, like maintaining his dental hygiene and enjoying fresh cologne—details that highlighted his character.
As of September 5, no attorney had taken on the case, and the Genesee County public defender’s office had yet to assign a lawyer.
Thus, what started as a joyful celebration turned into a nightmare of legal and personal turmoil. True crime dramas have nothing on the unpredictability of real-life events like these.