Drunk driver who killed bride in wedding dress sentenced to prison

A woman who admitted to drinking alcohol and driving well over twice the speed limit when she crashed into a golf cart, killing a bride who had just gotten married on a South Carolina beach, was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison.

Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty in Charleston County Court to voluntary manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol causing death and two counts of driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury before handing down the sentence.

Also injured in the 2023 accident was groom Aric Hutchinson, who wept in court as he recalled the final moments he spent with Samantha Miller – some of their only moments as husband and wife.

“On the golf cart she told me she didn’t want the night to end and I kissed her on the forehead. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” Hutchinson said.

Komoroski, 27, was sentenced by Judge Deadra Jefferson to a maximum of 25 years in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol causing death. She was also sentenced to 15 years in prison for each count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily harm and 10 years for voluntary manslaughter. The sentences will all run at the same time.

Police said Komoroski was drinking at several bars on April 28, 2023, and was driving at 65 miles per hour (105 km/h) on a narrow street in Folly Beach with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h). , when she crashed into the golf cart while leaving a wedding. Her blood alcohol level was 0.26%, more than three times the legal driving limit.

The 34-year-old bride died in her wedding dress. The groom suffered a brain injury and numerous broken bones. The impact threw the car 100 yards (91 meters).

After pleading guilty, Komoroski said she now realized she was addicted to alcohol and selfishly didn’t care about the impact her actions had on others. She promised to spend the rest of her life helping addicts and warning them about the dangers of drunk driving. She said she was “devastated, deeply ashamed and regretful” for what she had done.

“I wish I could go back and undo this terrible tragedy. But I can’t. “I will live the rest of my life with deep regret for what happened that night,” she said.

She said all of her work will be dedicated to Miller’s memory.

“I pray that God will stand by my victims and their families and loved ones for the rest of their lives,” Komoroski said.

Several friends and family members of Miller and Komoroski spoke at the hearing, which lasted nearly three hours. Komoroski’s supporters called for leniency from the judge because she was young, remorseful and could still do good.

Many members of Miller’s family called for a harsh sentence, saying they could never get her back and that the decisions Komoroski made that night were selfish and left a lasting impact on many lives. As they spoke, Komoroski looked at most of Miller’s family, including Hutchinson, occasionally wiping away tears.

Hutchinson said that because of his physical injuries and the mental anguish of the accident, he has seen more doctors and therapists than he can count and that he thinks about it every day.

“I wish I had died that night. I wish I had seen it coming. “I would have jumped off the golf cart, so you would have just run me over,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson won $863,000 in legal settlements with three bars that served Komoroski, as well as her insurance company and the company from which she rented her car.

Before the sentencing, Miller’s father told Komoroski he was outraged that she never seemed to accept responsibility. He told her she could apologize, but he didn’t listen to a word.

“For the rest of my life I will hate you, and when I get to hell and you get there, I will open the door for you,” said Brad Warner. “You ruined so many people’s lives.”