A driver under the influence was handed a sentence of over twenty years in prison after being found guilty of an incident that resulted in the death of a newlywed woman.
On December 2, Jamie Lee Komoroski received a 25-year prison sentence for colliding with a couple who had just tied the knot earlier in the day.
The accident occurred in April 2023, when Aric Hutchinson and his bride Samantha Miller left their wedding reception in Folly Beach, North Carolina, in a golf cart. Komoroski crashed into their vehicle while traveling at 65 mph.
Komoroski’s sentence includes 25 years for the DUI causing Samantha’s death, 15 years for DUI-related injuries to Hutchinson, and 10 years for reckless homicide, all to be served concurrently.
Upon receiving her sentence, Komoroski was visibly emotional and addressed the courtroom with a statement.
She declared: “On the night of April 22, 2023, I chose to drink and drive, which resulted in the death of Samantha Miller.
“This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life.
“Due to my poor decisions, a beautiful wife, sister, and daughter was taken,” she expressed. “All I can say is how incredibly remorseful I am.”
“I want them to know how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart and that I take full responsibility for my actions.
“I will always be devastated, deeply ashamed, and terribly sorry for what I have done.”
Aric Hutchinson was present as well and shared the profound sadness and challenges he faced due to this tragedy, recounting his wife’s final words to him.
Fighting back tears in the courtroom, he shared: “She said she didn’t want the night to end, I kissed her on the head, the next thing I knew I woke up in hospital.”
He also spoke about his ongoing recovery challenges, as the crash left him with significant injuries.
Regarding his condition, he stated: “I’ve seen more doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists than I can count, and I still feel the same as I did when I found out that day.
“I wish I had died that night. I wish I had seen it coming. I’d have jumped off the golf cart so that you’d only have run me over.
“We did not get hit, we got ran through at 65mph.”