South Carolina woman sentenced to 25 years for DUI crash that killed newlywed bride
Jamie Lee Komoroski admitted that she "chose to drink and drive" before the crash that resulted in the death of Samantha Miller, 34.
A South Carolina woman who admitted to drunken driving when she slammed her vehicle into a newlywed couple's golf cart, killing the bride, was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, 27, was charged with reckless homicide, felony DUI causing death, and two counts of felony DUI causing bodily injury, according to online court records. Komoroski pleaded guilty at a Charleston County courtroom before sentencing on Monday.
Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson sentenced Komoroski to 25 years for felony DUI causing death. Komoroski was also sentenced to 10 years for reckless homicide and 15 years for each count of felony DUI causing bodily injury. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Komoroski spoke in court Monday before her sentencing and admitted that she "chose to drink and drive" on the night of April 28, 2023, which resulted in the death of 34-year-old Samantha Miller and the serious injuries of three other of Miller's family members. Komoroski apologized for her "inconsiderate and thoughtless actions" and said she had an addiction to alcohol at the time of the incident.
"Unfortunately, it took this incredible tragedy and terrible incident to wake me up to the extent of my addiction," Komoroski said before the court and Miller's family members. "I take full responsibility for my actions. Hopefully, one day you will be able to forgive me but I know forgiveness must be earned."
Police said Miller was killed just hours after her wedding ceremony at a South Carolina beach, where she tied the knot with Aric Hutchinson. The couple was leaving their reception when Komoroski plowed her rented Toyota Camry into the back of the couple's golf cart.
Miller died at the scene while Hutchinson, his brother-in-law, and his nephew suffered major injuries in the two-vehicle crash, Paste BN previously reported. Police said data retrieved from Komoroski’s rental car showed that she was driving 65 mph when she briefly hit the brakes before hitting the golf cart.
Court documents revealed that Komoroski, from Charleston, South Carolina, refused a field sobriety and breathalyzer test. After she was arrested, medical personnel drew a blood sample and found that her blood alcohol content was 0.261 − more than three times the legal limit to drive, according to court documents.
In May 2023, Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and local businesses that served her alcohol the night of the incident. According to the lawsuit, Komoroski had been "bar hopping" that day.
“Despite being noticeably and visibly intoxicated at each of these establishments, Jaime Komoroski continued to be served, provided, and/or allowed to consume alcohol in each of them," the lawsuit stated.
Hutchinson was later awarded more than $863,000 in settlements from three bars, Komoroski's car insurance firm, and the company she rented the car from, according to The Post and Courier.
During victim impact statements Monday, Hutchinson spoke through tears, described his physical injuries, and shared his last moments with Miller.
"I think about that night every single day and the last moments I had with Sam on the golf cart. She told me she didn’t want the night to end," Hutchinson told the court. "I kissed her on the forehead and the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital."
“I wish more than anything that me instead of Sam ... I wish I had died that night, so she didn’t have to go alone,” Hutchinson said.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund.