Jamie Lee Komoroski, a 26-year-old from South Carolina, admitted her guilt on Monday in a shocking case involving a fatal drunken driving crash that killed a bride and seriously injured the groom just hours after their wedding.
She pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including felony DUI, reckless homicide, and DUI causing great bodily harm, according to WCSC.
The guilty plea came at the start of Komoroski’s trial, just as jury selection was about to begin. When questioned by Judge Deandra Jefferson, Komoroski confirmed her decision, stating, “Yes, your honour,” and waived her right to a jury trial.
The tragic crash occurred on April 28, 2023, in Folly Beach, South Carolina, as newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36, were leaving their wedding reception in a golf-cart-style vehicle.
Komoroski, reportedly driving at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, rear-ended their vehicle. Miller died at the scene, while Hutchinson suffered multiple injuries, including broken bones and a brain injury. Two other passengers in the golf cart were also injured.
Authorities revealed Komoroski’s blood-alcohol content was 0.261, more than three times the legal limit, as per a toxicology report cited by CBS News.
She initially claimed to police that “something hit her” and denied drinking, later admitting to consuming a tequila and pineapple drink and a beer. Officers noted she smelled strongly of alcohol and was driving in the opposite direction of her home. She refused field sobriety tests and was eventually compelled to provide blood samples via a warrant.
Komoroski has been under house arrest since March. She faces up to 25 years in prison for her actions. The case has drawn widespread attention, with Miller’s family and loved ones expressing their grief and anger in court.
The tragedy has also led to a $1.3 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchinson, which named Komoroski, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and several bars that served her alcohol on the day of the crash. Many establishments settled out of court.
According to ABC11, Miller’s parents and sister shared emotional victim impact statements during the hearing, leaving Komoroski in tears. Hutchinson, who spoke to Good Morning America shortly after the incident, recalled his wife’s last words, “The last thing I remember her saying was she wanted the night to never end.”
Komoroski’s sentencing is expected to be finalised soon, bringing a measure of closure to a case that has left a devastating mark on all involved.
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