Driver pleads guilty to drink-driving after killing bride in accident on wedding night

CNN
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The South Carolina driver who killed a bride and seriously injured the groom as he left a wedding reception pleaded guilty in court Monday and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Just as her trial was about to begin, Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty to one count of drunken driving, two counts of driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury and one count of involuntary manslaughter for crashing her car into the style of a vehicle Golf cart crashed. The bride and groom were riding.

Aric Hutchinson and his wife of just five hours, Samantha “Sam” Miller, 34, were struck by Komoroski’s vehicle in April 2023 as they left their party in the car, which was filled with cans and a “Just Married” shield was decorated.

Miller was killed and Hutchinson was seriously injured. Two other members of the wedding party who were riding in the cart were also injured in the accident.

Before sentencing Komoroski, South Carolina Judge Deadra L. Jefferson heard from several people affected by the accident, including Miller’s parents and sister and the groom she left behind.

“I think about that night and the last moments I spent with Sam in the golf cart every day. She told me she didn’t want the night to end. I kissed her on the forehead and the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” Hutchinson told the judge Monday of his wedding night.

“I wish more than anything that instead of Sam… “I wish I had died that night so she wouldn’t have to go alone,” Hutchinson told the court.

Hutchinson read a portion of the wedding vows he spoke to Samantha shortly before her death: “I will love you today, tomorrow and until my last breath on this earth, and I am yours forever.”

“That was hours before you killed her,” Hutchinson told Komoroski.

According to Folly Beach Police Chief Andrew Gilreath, Komoroski’s vehicle was traveling 65 mph in a 25 mph zone at the time of the accident.

Komoroski, then 25, refused a field sobriety test after the April 28 incident and a warrant was issued to draw her blood for testing, according to an affidavit filed with the court.

Komoroski was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.261% – more than three times the legal limit, according to a report shared with CNN by the Folly Beach Police Department.

Komoroski wiped away tears as Miller’s family addressed the court.

“We were sentenced to a lifetime of pain,” Samantha Miller’s mother Lisa said in court. “She was a light, she was loved, she was amazing and always will be,” she said. “She will always be my child.”

“You have ruined so many people’s lives and I hope you understand what you have done,” said Brad Warner, Samantha’s father.

“I will hate you for the rest of my life. And when I get to hell and you get there, I will open the gate for you,” Warner continued.

Komoroski, wearing a black suit, addressed the court on her own behalf and said: “This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life and it has affected the lives of so many people.”

“I take full responsibility for the tragic outcome of my decisions. I will carry this guilt with me for the rest of my life,” Komoroski said shortly before her sentencing.

Komoroski’s non-negotiated plea was accepted by the court and Jefferson sentenced her to 25 years in prison with credit for time served pending trial.