A South Carolina driver who killed a bride and seriously injured the groom as they left their wedding party pleaded guilty in court on Monday and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Just before his trial, Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty to one count of DUI, two counts of DUI with great bodily harm, and one count of reckless homicide for crashing his car into a golf cart. the newlyweds were riding.
Aric Hutchinson and his wife of just five hours, Samantha “Sam” Miller, 34, were hit by Komoroski’s car in April 2023 as they left their ceremony in a carriage, which was decorated with cans and a “just married” sign.
Miller was killed and Hutchinson was seriously wounded. Two other people from the wedding party who were riding in the carriage were also injured in the accident.
Before sentencing Komoroski, South Carolina Judge Deadra L. Jefferson heard from several victims of the tragedy, including Miller’s parents and her sister and estranged fiance.
“He told me he didn’t want the night to end.”
“I think about that night every day and the last time I was with Sam on the golf cart. He told me he didn’t want the night to end. I kissed him on the forehead and the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” Hutchinson told the judge on Monday about his wedding night.
“I wish more than anything that I in Sam’s place… I wish I had died that night, so he didn’t have to go alone,” Hutchinson told the court.
Hutchinson read part of the wedding vows he said to Samantha shortly before he died: “I will love you today, tomorrow, and until I take my last breath on this earth, and I am yours forever.”
“It was hours before you killed him,” Hutchinson said to Komoroski.
At the time of the crash, Komoroski’s car was traveling 65 mph in a 25-mph zone, according to Folly Beach Police Chief Andrew Gilreath.
Komoroski, then 25, refused a field sobriety test after the April 28 incident and a warrant was issued for his blood to be tested, according to an affidavit filed in 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.
Jamie Lee Komoroski – Charleston Sheriff’s Office
Komoroski could be seen wiping away tears as Miller’s family spoke in court.
“We were sentenced to a lifetime of pain,” Samantha Miller’s mother, Lisa, told the court. “He was a light, he was loved, he was amazing and he always will be,” she said. “He will always be my child.”
“You’ve ruined a lot of people’s lives, and I hope you understand what you’ve done,” Brad Warner, Samantha’s father said.
“All my life I will be hating you.” And when I get to hell and you come there, I’ll open the gate for you,” Warner continued.
“I take full responsibility”
Komoroski, dressed in a black suit, spoke to the court on his own behalf, saying, “This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life, and it has affected the lives of so many.”
“I take full responsibility for the unfortunate consequences of my decisions. I will continue to have this crime for the rest of my life,” said Komoroski before being sentenced.
Komoroski’s no-deal plea was accepted by the court and Jefferson sentenced him to 25 years in prison with credit for time served pending trial.
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