South Carolina Woman Receives 25-Year Sentence for DUI Crash That Claimed Newlywed Bride
Jamie Lee Komoroski acknowledged that she “decided to drink and drive” prior to the accident that led to the death of 34-year-old Samantha Miller.
A woman from South Carolina who confessed to driving under the influence when she collided with a golf cart carrying newlyweds, resulting in the bride’s death, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday.
27-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski faced several charges including reckless homicide, felony DUI leading to death, and two counts of felony DUI resulting in bodily injury. She entered a guilty plea in a Charleston County courtroom before her sentencing.
Judge Deadra Jefferson of the Circuit Court sentenced Komoroski to 25 years for felony DUI leading to death, 10 years for reckless homicide, and 15 years for each count of felony DUI causing bodily injury. All sentences will run concurrently.
During her court appearance, Komoroski acknowledged that she “chose to drink and drive” on the night of April 28, 2023, which resulted in the tragic death of 34-year-old Samantha Miller and left three of Miller’s family members severely injured. She expressed remorse for her “thoughtless and inconsiderate actions” and revealed that she was struggling with alcohol addiction at that time.
“It tragically took this awful incident to open my eyes to the reality of my addiction,” Komoroski communicated to the court and Miller’s family. “I accept full responsibility for my actions. I hope that someday you might find it in your hearts to forgive me, but I understand that forgiveness must be earned.”
Reports indicate that Miller was killed just hours after her wedding on a South Carolina beach, where she had married Aric Hutchinson. They were leaving their reception when Komoroski crashed her rented Toyota Camry into the rear of their golf cart.
Miller died at the scene, while Hutchinson, along with his brother-in-law and nephew, sustained serious injuries in the crash. Police indicated that data from Komoroski’s rental car revealed she was traveling at 65 mph before she hit the brakes and collided with the golf cart.
Court documents disclosed that Komoroski, a Charleston resident, declined to take field sobriety or breath tests. Following her arrest, a blood sample demonstrated her blood alcohol content was 0.261, which is over three times the legal driving limit.
In May 2023, Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and local establishments that served her alcohol on the day of the incident, stating that she had been “bar hopping” that day.
The lawsuit alleged, “Despite being evidently and visibly intoxicated at each venue, Jamie Komoroski continued to be served, allowed to consume and provided alcohol accordingly.”
Hutchinson later secured over $863,000 in settlements from three bars, Komoroski’s car insurance provider, and the rental car agency, as reported by The Post and Courier.
During the victim impact statements on Monday, Hutchinson emotionally recounted his physical injuries and the last moments he shared with Miller.
“I reflect on that night every single day, recalling the last moments I spent with Sam on the golf cart. She said she was reluctant for the night to end,” Hutchinson shared with tears in his eyes. “I kissed her on the forehead, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital.”
“I wish it could have been me instead of Sam. I wish I had perished that night so she wouldn’t have to go alone,” Hutchinson expressed.