A US woman has pleaded guilty to drink-driving charges over an incident in which she killed a newlywed bride who was travelling in a golf cart on her wedding night.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison over the crash in South Carolina last year that killed Samantha Miller while she was still wearing her wedding dress.
Her car hit the golf cart carrying the couple, driven by Mr Hutchinson’s brother-in-law.
Mr Hutchinson, who sustained a brain injury and broken bones in the crash, also spoke.
“I do think she’s sorry,” Mr Hutchinson said.
A US woman who killed a newlywed bride while she was riding in a golf cart on her wedding night has entered a guilty plea to charges of drunk driving.
In connection with the South Carolina crash that killed Samantha Miller last year while she was still wearing her wedding gown, Jamie Lee Komoroski was given a 25-year prison sentence.
Three other people, including the victim’s husband, Aric Hutchinson, and two of his relatives who were also in the car, were injured.
He told the court that his new wife “wanted the night to never end” while fighting back tears, according to the Associated Press.
The accident happened in April 2023 in the city of Folly Beach, just hours after the wedding, as the newlyweds were being returned to their lodging.
Prosecutors claimed Komoroski had consumed alcohol at multiple bars before speeding at 65 mph (104 km/h) in a 25 mph zone. Her vehicle collided with the golf cart that Mr. Hutchinson’s brother-in-law was driving and carrying the couple.
After the crash, state officials released a report stating that she was three times over the drinking limit based on a blood test. According to a police incident report, she had previously refused to give officers breath samples.
Komoroski admitted to felony DUI resulting in death charges at the Charleston County Courthouse on Monday. She was given several concurrently running sentences.
Before receiving her sentence, she apologized to the court and said she accepted full responsibility.
Additionally, Mr. Hutchinson, who was injured in the collision and suffered a broken bone, spoke. He was able to narrate his last chat with his wife, despite his claims that he has no memory of the actual incident.
“She told me she didn’t want the night to end on the golf cart, so I kissed her forehead, and the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” he recalled.
He stated that “the punishment fit the crime” following the sentencing, according to WCSC, a CBS News affiliate.
Mr. Hutchinson stated, “I do believe she is sorry.”. But that doesn’t alter the reality that Sam and my wife aren’t here, that our family isn’t here, or that we are all hurt. Thus, it will undoubtedly take some time. “,”.
