Picture this: a joyous wedding day filled with laughter and dancing, and hours later, it’s all taken a dark turn you wouldn’t believe. In Michigan, a newlywed couple found themselves playing out a real-life crime thriller that would make even the most stoic person sit up and gasp.
Yes, right after tying the knot, James Shirah, 22, decided to give ’till death do us part’ a chilling twist. His groomsman, Terry Lewis Taylor Jr., ended up fatally struck by James’s SUV, or so the story goes per Flint police.
You might wonder, ‘How fast can an SUV even go on such an occasion?’ Well, Flint police say it was at a high rate of speed—no wedding jitters there, just pure adrenaline rush driving. Poor Terry didn’t stand a chance.
So, let’s unravel this shocking affair. On Aug. 30, Flint police were called to E. Hamilton Street. What they found was a bloody scene with 29-year-old Terry grievously injured. Rushed to Hurley Medical Center, Terry, unfortunately, couldn’t be saved.
Fast forward to the police investigation, it turns out that Terry had been a groomsman at the wedding earlier that day. But instead of happily ever after, there was an argument. Not just any argument, but one that ended with the groom, James, allegedly using his SUV to intentionally hit Terry.
Hold on, it gets more twisted. James Shirah now faces second-degree murder charges and is being held without bond. His bride, Savahna Collier, 21, didn’t escape unscathed either. She’s out on a $4,000 bond, charged with being an accessory after the fact.
According to the police report, the wedding was held in the seemingly romantic setting of a pizzeria. However, romance quickly soured, and another argument later unfolded at a home. Terry was standing outside when fate struck—literally.
With emotions running high, James allegedly drove his SUV right into Terry. Instead of heading straight to the police, the couple decided to wait a whole day. Not the best move—according to prosecutor Leyton, this delay only made things harder to piece together.
And Who Was Terry Lewis Taylor Jr.?
Terry wasn’t just a tragic figure in this saga. Remembered fondly for his love of music, fishing, and the great outdoors, Terry also cherished his family and his loyal dog Kodiak. According to his moving obituary, Terry liked his teeth clean and his cologne fresh—simple pleasures for a man taken too soon.
By Sept. 5, no attorney had taken on this wild case. The Genesee County public defender’s office confirmed to AP that they’d yet to assign someone.
Now, this is where it all leaves us, dear readers. A streak of happiness, shattered by vehicular havoc and the ensuing legal chaos. Who needs true crime shows when real life delivers such unpredictably dark tales?
